F1 set for 12-hour Abu Dhabi test day

Formula 1 is set to run a 12-hour one-day test following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after the plan was backed by teams at a meeting of the sporting directors.

Pirelli has long been keen to finalize the details of the test, which will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 1, to gather data on its new fifth super-super soft compound. It is understood the manufacturer has presented its run plans to the teams, who met in Mexico on Thursday, and as is the case with tire-specific tests, it will pick up the cost of the track rental and the tires.

The test is open to all teams with Pirelli requesting they run at least one race driver each as they will have the most experience of the current tyres which will enhance the feedback on the new compound.

Pirelli is asking fans to vote on social media for their choice of color for the new compound between purple and silver and it is understood the former is currently the frontrunner.

It also understood that the two-day wet-weather test, which has received the backing of the teams, has been pencilled in for Jan. 25-26.