Pirelli and Mercedes conclude 2017 tyre test at Paul Ricard

The three-day Pirelli test of 2017-sized tyres concluded on Thursday at the French circuit of Paul Ricard, where Pascal Wehrlein has been driving a Mercedes, modified to simulate next year’s levels of downforce.

As was the case for the previous two days, as well as the two-day test completed by Ferrari yesterday in Spain, the work concentrated on slick tyre development in the new 2017 sizes: 305/670-13 at the front and 405/670-13 at the rear.

Wehrlein completed the entire planned programme, which took in 63 laps on the final day, added to the total of 134 laps on Tuesday and 89 laps on Wednesday.

The 2017 tyre test programme will continue in two weeks time, 21-22 September at Paul Ricard with Mercedes on wet tyres.