Vergne testing Pirelli 2017 prototype tyres at Fiorano

In the wake of confirmation by FIA that Pirellli would be granted the required tyre testing days ahead of the 2017 season, Ferrari test driver Jean-Eric Vergne was out at Fiorano testing 2016 and 2017 prototype tyres bolted on to a Ferrari F14-T.

Pirelli said, "The tyres are the 2016 size and contain a number of prototype elements as we start developing larger tyres for 2017: the first season of a new three-year programme for Pirelli."

In April the FIA announced that they had "approved changes to Articles 10.2 and 10.6 of the Formula One Sporting Regulations in order to provide the appointed tyre supplier additional opportunities to undertake testing in preparation for the 2017 season."

The statement added, "The further testing was deemed to be essential for the purpose of developing the new tyre sizes permitted by the 2017 F1 Technical Regulations. The changes will allow 25 car days of testing with current cars, fitted with 2017 tyre sizes, in 2016, 2017 and 2018."

"In addition, 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."

The Fiorano Circuit, near Ferrari headquarters in Maranello, is the private racetrack owned by the Italian manufacturer for development and testing purposes.