Feb.15 (GMM) The pre-season period of formula one tests is rapidly coming to a close.

The group test at Jerez this week was the penultimate session at which most outfits will congregate, with only Barcelona late this month to follow.

Before Barcelona kicks off for three days at the Circuit de Catalunya on February 25, however, some teams will run privately at the Spanish circuit next week, and others intend to conduct straight-line aerodynamic track sessions.

BMW Sauber, meanwhile, will test at Valencia from next Tuesday, but the racing world will fix its glare particularly to the subsequent Barcelona group test, when apparent pacesetters Ferrari will go head-to-head with its top rivals for the last time before Melbourne.

McLaren chief executive Martin Whitmarsh said: "Whilst this (test) will give us the possibility of a more comprehensive comparison ... the real litmus test of performance will take place in Australia."