Pirelli wants Bahrain test for 2017 tyres

Pirelli Cinturato intermediate tyres during previews to the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 17, 2016
© Getty Images
Pirelli chief Paul Hembery reveals that he is pushing for track testing to take place in warmer locations, admitting that Bahrain would be "ideal".

Pirelli chief Paul Hembery has revealed that he is pushing for track testing to take place in warmer locations, admitting that Bahrain would be "ideal".

Recently at Hockenheim, team officials indicated that even with the cars and tyres changing dramatically for 2017, they were not too keen on doing more testing away from the cold temperatures of the European winter.

"I think there's some mule (modified) car testing that's going to happen in Abu Dhabi which traditionally has been hot," said Force India's Otmar Szafnauer.

"As long as Pirelli share all the data equally, we're happy for that to happen and I'm sure the tyres will be fine for the start of winter testing."

However, Pirelli's Hembery is quoted by Brazil's UOL Grande Premio as saying: "From the perspective of the tyre manufacturer, it would be better to go to a warm place at that point in time (winter testing).

"In recent years, we tested in Bahrain which gave us a very clear indication of tyre performance.

"I recognise that the teams believe this is a financial penalty, but we are in a sport in which hundreds of millions are spent. A test in Bahrain would be a big step for us to let us know where we'll be for the season."

The 2016 championship emerges from its summer break with the Belgian Grand Prix on August 28.

Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes celebrates his win on the podium during the Canadian Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 12, 2016
Read Next:
Hamilton fears title lead won't last
>

CountryGoldGSilverSBronzeBTotal
1 United StatesUnited States26222472
2 Great BritainGreat Britain1617841
3 ChinaChina15141746