F1: Pirelli could use 10-year-old test car

Formula 1 is discussing the prospect of using a car up to 10 years old to help Pirelli test its 2017 tires next season.

It has been suggested to Pirelli a slightly modified older car would be able to simulate the loads and downforce likely to come into effect in with new F1 regulations in 2017.

The Italian manufacturer is waiting for F1 to finalise the regulations which, with a new aero package combined with wider front and rear tyres, are aimed at reducing laptimes by up to five seconds. The problem for Pirelli is there will be no '17 car available ahead of schedule, and with a 'mule' car proving too costly to build, the testing it is demanding is at this stage not possible.

"In an ideal situation we want to be testing in May, and of course if you need a hybrid vehicle that's going to be nigh-on impossible," said Hembery.

"We have information from some teams, based on information they have, there are cars from past years of Formula 1 that would be adequately representative. You would have to change the suspension geometry, but in terms of aero loads you could find a solution. The car would be nothing over 10 years [old].

"There are a few other discussions going on with other solutions, but it's too early to give you an indication as to what those are."

It was back in May, following a meeting of the Strategy Group, the FIA announced its plan for "faster cars and thrilling races", but six months on the way forward is still under discussion.

"The teams have different points of view," added Hembery. "You have one saying there are old cars that could represent the figures being portrayed, others saying you could build a 'mule' car, then the engineers you speak to say it's impossible.

"Until they define what the regulations are, and we have some clear indication of the values - and there are big discrepancies amongst the team at the moment on what they feel the impact of the changes will be - then the solution is impossible to define."

Asked as to his optimism with regards to the building of a 'mule' car, Hembery replied: "It depends who you talk to and where the rules go, but it's a catch-22 situation."

Originally on Autosport.com