SPIELBERG, Austria -- Mercedes will run a 2014-spec car at the upcoming in-season test at Silverstone in order to help Pirelli develop its 2017 tyres.
Wider tyres will be introduced in Formula One next year as part of a package of rules aimed at making the cars significantly faster and more exciting to watch. In order to prepare for the extreme demands expected to be put through the rubber next season, Pirelli has laid out an extensive testing programme, including the use of 2013 and 2014 cars this year.
The tyres used at Silverstone will be the same dimensions as the current ones used in F1, but will help develop compounds and construction materials for 2017. Testing of the wider rubber is expected to start in August once a modified 2015 chassis is available from either Ferrari, Mercedes or Red Bull.
At the Silverstone test, Manor race driver and Mercedes reserve Pascal Wehrlein will be at the wheel of the Mercedes W05 focusing entirely on tyre work while Mercedes conducts a normal test programme with this year's W07 chassis.
"It's interesting for Pirelli, for the team and even for me to get experience on the tyres for next year," Wehrlein said. "I'm really happy to do that, it's good."