Jean-Eric Vergne has revealed that he could drive a Ferrari F1 car after tyre supplier Pirelli was granted extensive testing ahead of the 2017 regulation changes.

A recent meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council [WMSC] officially ratified the proposal: "The changes will allow 25 car days of testing with current cars, fitted with 2017 tyre sizes, in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

“In addition, there will be an opportunity to test prototype 2017 tyres (in 2016 sizes) on 2013 or 2014 cars – these tests on older cars only apply in 2016.”

Vergne, who joined Ferrari as development and test driver ahead of the 2015 season after spending three years in a full-time role at Toro Rosso, told French broadcaster Canal+ that the WMSC's decision could open up opportunities for him in the future.

“That’s incredible to be part of the Scuderia and I learn a lot by their sides,” the 25-year-old said. “There’ll certainly be an opportunity to test later this year, obviously not on a a grand prix weekend but maybe during future Pirelli tests.

“I learn a lot next to Seb [Vettel], Kimi [Raikkonen], and all the Ferrari team members. It’s really important to be embedded with them. Plus, you never know what can happen, just look at Alonso at the Australian Grand Prix… It can happen to anybody so I am ready at any time.”

Having suffered a heavy crash in Melbourne, the McLaren-Honda star was ruled out of the following race weekend on medical grounds, with reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne stepping up to the plate to replace the injured Spaniard.

Besides his Ferrari F1 commitment, Vergne is competing in the all-electric Formula E series with DS Virgin. Incidentally, the Frenchman will take part in the inaugural Paris ePrix this weekend.

Technical analysis - Shanghai

Scene at the Chinese Grand Prix

Chinese Grand Prix - Quotes of the week

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

8 hours ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

9 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

10 hours ago

McLaren relaxes ‘papaya rules’: Norris and Piastri free to race

Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren’s team orders—dubbed the "Papaya Rules"—have been largely relaxed, giving…

12 hours ago

Cheers to the forever young pure racer Jacques Laffite

The forever young Jacques Laffite turns 81 today, but the years haven't aged this pure…

13 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Wednesday's build-up in pictures

The neon lights of Las Vegas are set to illuminate the Formula 1 world once…

14 hours ago