Regulation changes for next season mean tyres will be around 25 percent wider, with rears up from 325mm to 405, and fronts up from 245 to 305. Diameter will also increase very slightly, though wheel rim size remains unchanged at 13 inches.

Testing of the new tyres has been going on since the summer, with three teams (Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull) providing ‘mule’ cars - 2015 F1 machines with a wider track modified to simulate in part the increased downforce that next year’s cars will generate.

“We’ve made huge steps forward since trying the new tyres out for the first time at the beginning of August and we’re pleased by the results obtained with the majority of the specifications,” said Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery.

“We know, however, that the work is just beginning. The aerodynamic progress made by next year’s cars will lower lap times by around five seconds compared to 2015, and about three seconds compared to this year.”