Pirelli has been given the green light to go ahead with its 12-hour tyre test, aimed at developing a new range of slick compounds as well as a new Ultrasoft compound.
The test will take place on the Tuesday following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with all teams invited to participate, though it is entirely voluntary and it’s unlikely all ten teams will take part.
Pirelli had hoped to hold a two-day test, but have settled for a single day, though it will run from 09:00 to 21:00 using Yas Marina’s floodlight system.
Pirelli’s new purple ultrasoft compound set to be introduced in 2016.
The tyre supplier has also asked that teams run reserve or race drivers to ensure they can collect meaningful and reliable data, whilst teams must run unchanged cars.
“Pirelli will define the test programme for each car,” added a statement. “The tyres used during this test will not be considered as part of the testing allocation for 2015.”
Pirelli will expand its range for 2016 from four dry compounds (Supersoft, Soft, Medium and Hard) to five with the addition of a Ultrasoft compound which will sit below the current Supersoft.
The Ultrasoft will be distinguished by purple markings on the sidewall. This colour was chosen by fans who were asked to vote for either purple or silver via Pirelli’s social media channels with purple capturing 85% of the votes.
