Pirelli starts developing 2017 tyres with Vergne at Fiorano

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