Pirelli has announced that it has started developing larger tyres for the 2017 Formula One season with Ferrari test and development driver Jean-Eric Vergne piloting a F14-T at Fiorano on Tuesday.
The Italian company was recently granted extensive testing ahead of planned technical regulation changes that will see the introduction of bigger cars and tyres in a bid to make the sport more exciting and spectacular.
A recent meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council confirmed that “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.”
Pirelli has revealed that Vergne’s 2014-spec Ferrari F1 car is fitted with tyres that are the 2016 size and contain a number of prototype elements as it begins preparations ahead of next year.
The 26-year-old Frenchman recently said that Pirelli’s extra testing opportunities could provide him with a chance to run for the Scuderia.
DRIVER RATINGS: Russian Grand Prix
REPORT: Rosberg eases to win after Kvyat takes out Vettel
Breakfast with ... Martin Brundle
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
