The F1 Commission and Strategy Group have approved plans submitted by tyre supplier Pirelli to allow it to conduct extensive in-season testing this year in preparation for 2017's major rules shake-up.
The Italian company had threatened to quit the sport if its plans weren't approved, believing the current testing allowance wouldn't allow it to design and manufacture tyres suitable for the increased downforce planned for next season.
"We cannot do our job without this [test schedule]," commented Pirelli's Paul Hembery, who suggested they would pull out of the sport at the end of the current year if their proposal for 25-days of in-season testing weren't given the green-light during Monday's vote.
With both the F1 Commission and Strategy Group approving the plan, it will now go before the World Motor Sport Council on Wednesday to be written into the Sporting Regulations.
It's believed Pirelli's plan includes the use of a 2015 chassis for initial testing purposes, with the promise that at least one team will provide a modified chassis for use later in the season, which simulates 2017's downforce levels as well as allowing Pirelli to run its new wider tyres which require a completely different suspension setup.
Five teams are believed to have agreed to supply such cars – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren and Williams – with Pirelli set to take up all five offers as a way to ensure no one team in particular gains an advantage.
The testing approval will also pave the way for Pirelli's 2017-19 contract to be signed off.
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