2012 Pirelli tyres in action this week

Pirelli’s tyres for the 2012 season are up and testing this week in Barcelona.

The official supplier’s test driver Lucas di Grassi has revealed he is in action at the Circuit de Catalunya.

So how do the 2012 tyres feel?: "Can’t tell you, sorry," the Brazilian said on Twitter.

The F1 teams may get their first taste of next year’s rubber during the young drivers’ test at Yas Marina after the penultimate grand prix of the season in mid November.

"We will use the 2012 tyre if the teams want," said motor sport director Paul Hembery.

The driver lineup for the rookies’ test in Abu Dhabi is taking shape, according to Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport.

While Jean-Eric Vergne will appear for Red Bull, the energy drink’s sister team Toro Rosso is reportedly selling its test seats for $200,000.

Williams will have its Finnish test driver Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes will have Sam Bird, and McLaren intends to run Gary Paffett.

Jules Bianchi will be in action for Ferrari, while Esteban Gutierrez runs for Sauber.