F1: FIA green light for Pirelli's 2017 test plans

The World Motor Sport Council has ratified changes to the sporting regulations to allow Pirelli more track time to develop its 2017 Formula 1 tires.

There will be 25 "car days" of testing using current cars, fitted with 2017 tire sizes, permitted this year and again over the following two seasons. In addition, the FIA says "there will be an opportunity to test prototype 2017 tires (in 2016 sizes) on 2013 or 2014 cars" but these tests will only be permitted this year.

The FIA added in a statement: "The further testing was deemed to be essential for the purpose of developing the new tire sizes permitted by the 2017 F1 technical regulations." Articles 10.2 and 10.6 of the sporting regulations will be adjusted to reflect the changes.

With significant changes planned, Pirelli wanted to ensure it had enough time and testing to prepare next year's new rubber. Five teams have indicated they are interested in supplying a 2015 car for modification, understood to be Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull and Force India, and one of either Williams or McLaren.

With confirmation of the testing plans, it is believed Pirelli and the FIA are also now set to sign off on the contract from 2017-'19, over six months after the Italian manufacturer was confirmed as continuing as supplier.

Originally on Autosport.com