Ferrari, Red Bull & Mercedes to start 2017 Pirelli tyre testing
Ferrari to kick off extensive programme at Fiorano in August
Thursday 7 July 2016 13:06, UK
Pirelli have revealed the full testing programme for their 2017 tyres with Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes sharing the running.
The wider tyres, which were unveiled in Monaco, are to be debuted next season as part of Formula 1's technical shake-up to produce faster lap times.
There will be 24 development days in all, with the sport's current leading teams each conducting three separate tests using a modified version of their 2015 cars, and they must share the data gathered with other teams.
Ferrari get the programme started in August with a wet-weather test in Fiorano while there will be a 'collective validation test' in November.
The extensive schedule is required as Pirelli prepare for the rubbers' 2017 introduction. The front tyres are six centimetres, nearly 25 per cent, wider than the current spec while the rear tyres are eight centimetres and more than 30 per cent wider.
Three tests using 2016 tyres with 2017 prototype materials and structures are also scheduled for July, starting with the in-season test at Silverstone next week.
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