With a record-breaking 21-race calendar for next year on the cards, a decision has been taken to limit the number of test days in the build-up to the opening grand prix in Australia on April 3.

In stark contrast to recent seasons when three or four four-day pre-season tests have been held, the 10 teams will now have only eight days to prepare their cars before Melbourne.

Both tests will take place at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, with the first from March 1-4 and the second running from March 15-18.

In another change, and for the first time since 2011, there will also be no in-season testing.

Teams have often used in-season tests over the past four years to give their reserve drivers a run out, or to run the rule over young up-and-coming names.

This year two two-day in-season tests took place at Barcelona, and also the Red Bull Ring in Austria, with a number of prospects given a chance.

But such an avenue for those looking to put themselves on the radar of F1′s teams is blocked for next year.