Pirelli to get 25 days of tyre testing with current cars each year

The World Motorsport Council have approved changes to Formula 1's Sporting Regulations to give Pirelli additional tyre testing.

The Italian tyre manufacturer had been pushing for additional days of running ahead of the introduction of new wider tyres in 2017 aimed at increasing mechanical grip.

Pirelli will be afforded 25 days of testing of the new tyres in 2016, 2017 and 2018 using current cars.

FIA statement in full:

'The World Motor Sport Council today 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 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.'