Ferrari gets first dedicated weather test with Pirelli

Pirelli's first dedicated wet weather test will take place over two days at Fiorano on February 9, with Ferrari supplying a 2015-modified mule car.

The Italian tyre manufacturer is working hard to improve its wet weather rubber following criticism by drivers at the last year's Brazilian GP, and also because of the possibility of standing starts taking place on a wet track in 2017 when a race begins under the Safety Car.

Pirelli has been in discussions with Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull to supply mule cars for its scheduled tests which are part of an allotment of 25 days of tyre testing awarded to the manufacturer this season.

Pirelli gets extra pre-season wet weather test

While the Scuderia will be the first to put the rain rubber through its paces, its rivals will also have an opportunity to join in on Pirelli's tyre development sometime in the near future.

"We're going to have standing [re]starts, so the tyres are going to be cold," Pirelli'(s Paul Hembery said at last month's Autosport International show.

"Like we do in GP2, where you don't have blankets, we have to try and get a product which warms up a lot quicker."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.