F1 News, Reports and Race Results

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

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Perez reveals how he became Force India's unlikely saviour

Sergio Perez has revisited one of the most extraordinary off-track stories of his Formula 1…

12 hours ago

FIA expands straight-line mode at Spa – as Alonso sounds warning

Formula 1’s return to Spa-Francorchamps this weekend will introduce a striking new element to the…

14 hours ago

McLaren set for Mercedes engine upgrade at Spa and rear-wing trial

McLaren will arrive at the Belgian Grand Prix with a fresh opportunity to reset its…

15 hours ago

Michael bows to Mika on British GP podium

On this day in 2001 at the British GP at Silverstone, Formula 1 fans were…

16 hours ago

Bearman moved to tears after driving Senna’s iconic Lotus

The Silverstone pitlane has borne witness to countless moments of motorsport history, but recently, it…

17 hours ago

Steiner: Time for McLaren to ‘grow up’ and build its own engine

McLaren’s search for answers in Formula 1 has once again turned the spotlight onto its…

19 hours ago