Shakedown

A shakedown is a preliminary test drive of a race car to verify that all mechanical and electronic systems are functioning correctly before more intensive testing or competition.

Teams conduct shakedowns when a car is new, has undergone significant modifications, or after repairs. During this short test, drivers typically don't push for maximum performance but instead focus on ensuring everything works properly and identifying any potential issues.

In Formula 1, shakedowns often happen before pre-season testing with restricted mileage. In rally racing, a shakedown is a specific stage driven before the actual competition begins, allowing teams to make final adjustments to their car's setup for the upcoming conditions.