F1 teams, Pirelli still at odds over planned Abu Dhabi test

Pirelli wants to do some work on next year's tyres, and specifically the new fifth 'ultrasoft' compound, which will be introduced next year along with durable casings.

As things stand, the rules make no provision for the extra test. However, the World Motor Sport Council has apparently accepted that the rule change can be made on safety grounds, on the basis that Pirelli needs to do some R&D. Specifically, the ultrasoft will have to be tested if it is to be introduced next year.

Pirelli wants to do around 400km per team, and the plan is to have the Yas Marina track open for a full 12 hours from 9am to 9pm on the Tuesday after the final Grand Prix.

The Italian company has also insisted on using race drivers, or at least reserves who have extensive experience of this year's tyres.

However, most teams are vehemently against the idea of the test, in large part on cost grounds – even Ferrari has apparently cited that as a key issue.

Pirelli says it will pay for the track but the teams will have to pay for everything else. One team manager told Motorsport.com that the cost of running the session would be around $500,000.

Those teams who have a policy of selling test sessions to rookie drivers won't be able to do so, due to Pirelli's demand for race drivers.

In addition, all teams are running short of engine mileage. There are also complications related to flights having been booked and team members already committed to going on holiday straight after the race.