Ferrari set to be first to run Pirelli 2017 tyres

With early testing so far having focused only on compound ideas, the first actual laps with the wider specification 2017 rubber have been provisionally agreed for August 2 at Ferrari's Fiorano track with a modified SF15-T.

It is understood the car, which helped Sebastian Vettel to three race victories last season, is being modified at Ferrari's Maranello factory – with revised suspension to take account of the wider track coming for next year.

Furthermore, the car will be fitted with aerodynamic skirts and additional wings to simulate the kind of downforce levels that are being delivered to reduce lap times by up to five seconds.

As part of the tyre testing agreement for the Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes teams that are conducting the running, they are not allowed to run wings that conform to the actual dimensions of the 2017 regulations – as that could give them an unfair advantage.

Ferrari has not yet decided which driver will be used for this first test, but it is unlikely to be either Vettel or Kimi Raikkonen as they will be on vacation following the punishing run of six races in eight weekends ahead of the summer break.

Following the Ferrari test at Fiorano, Red Bull is likely to test at Mugello a few days later while Mercedes will conduct some running at a location that has yet to be finalised.