Pirelli, Ferrari set date for 2017 tyre test

The first date for Pirelli’s track testing for its bigger and wider 2017 tyres has reportedly been set.

Speed Week reports that the first of 24 days in total with specially-modified test mules will take place at Ferrari’s own Fiorano track on August 1.

"We agreed with Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes that we would test the tyres on modified old cars," Pirelli’s Mario Isola is quoted as saying.

"’Old’ so that the other teams do not believe these teams get a competitive advantage. We will rotate with the three teams but it is not easy to find test dates.

"We are in the longest world championship of all time so we have to look carefully for the opportunities," Isola added.

The report said the running on August 1 will be with a modified 2015-spec Ferrari, and that the 24 days will be split evenly between the three top teams.

Pirelli wants the running to be done by top racing drivers, but as the Fiorano test will take place in the summer break, it is not clear whether that will be Sebastian Vettel or Kimi Raikkonen.

Recent Italian reports suggested Raikkonen plans to get married in early August.

Testing calendar

— Aug 1-2 - Fiorano FER Wets
— Aug 3-4 - Mugello RBR Slicks
— Sep 6-7 - Barcelona FER Slicks
— Sep 6-7-8 - Paul Ricard MGP Slicks
— Sep 21-22 - Paul Ricard MGP Wets
— Oct 12-13 - Barcelona MGP Slicks
— Oct 14-15-16 - Abu Dhabi RBR Slicks
— Nov 2-3 - Abu Dhabi RBR Wets
— Nov 14-15-16 - Abu Dhabi FER Slicks
— Nov-29 - Abu Dhabi ALL Final valid