After securing a new three-year contract to supply tyres to F1 from 2017-19, the Italian manufacturer is now eager to cement plans for a testing programme next year.

Tyre widths are due to significantly increase from 2017 as F1 seeks to reduce laptimes by five to six seconds.

At a recent technical meeting the originally agreed sizes of 425mm rear and 325mm front were decreased by 25mm to 400mm and 300m respectively.

Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery feels the decision, which he has yet to be informed of in writing, was made in a bid to reduce drag.

Regardless of the final confirmation of size, Pirelli has made clear it has to test if the product it supplies from 2017 is suitable, with Hembery previously suggesting six three-day tests involving the top teams and drivers.

Although there are likely to be compromises before confirmation is given, there is understanding of Pirelli’s needs and testing in 2016 will take place.

“There is a recognition from the Strategy Group we need to test to be able to do the job otherwise it’s impossible,” said Hembery.

“There is also a recognition we will do high quality testing to be able to deliver what’s being asked of us.

“But an overall solution for testing is quite complex because the rules haven’t been set yet.

“The question is whether you can test on a current car, a current car modified or does it need a bespoke car, so there are plenty of question marks with regard to the practicalities of how we go testing, but it will happen.”