Pirelli is understood to have been successful in requesting a number of pre-2016 tests.

While there are no major regulation changes until 2017, the Italian manufacturer, still smarting from the negative publicity it encountered in Belgium, has been pushing hard for extra tyre tests in preparation for the 2016 season.

It is now understood that at this week's meeting of the Strategy Group - which comprises Bernie Ecclestone, FIA president Jean Todt, Mercedes, Red Bull, Williams, Ferrari, McLaren and Force India - it was unanimously agreed that there should be a two-day test following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November.

It was also agreed that there will be a 'wet' test in January at Paul Ricard.

With the regulations due to change in 2017, rear tyre widths increasing by 80mm to 325mm (front) and the fronts 100mm to 425 mm, Pirelli, which is in competition with Michelin for the contract to be the sport's sole supplier, has also been pushing for as many as six three-day tests.

However, the Strategy Group preferred four two-day tests. Even then however, there is the question of how the 2017 tyres might be fitted to 2016 spec cars.

All should be clearer when the World Motor Sport Council meets in Paris on 30 September.

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