Pirelli tyres to make August test debut at Mugello

Pirelli is expected to kick off its formula one testing programme before the 2010 calendar’s August break is out.

The Italian marque recently began testing its new GP2 tyres, and Germany’s Auto Bild Motorsport believes Mugello will be the scene of the first F1 prototypes’ debuts — fitted to Toyota’s 2009 car, the TF109.

Mercedes reserve driver Nick Heidfeld is tipped to be in the cockpit, with a public announcement expected imminently.

Mugello will reportedly be the first of six dedicated Pirelli tyre tests before Abu Dhabi, where in the days after the F1 season finale, the 12 teams will get their first taste of next year’s rubber.

Four compounds will be supplied to the teams, with the target being a range of reliable, consistent tyres.

“I do not think companies today can afford hundreds of millions of euros to make their tyres faster,” said Pirelli’s F1 chief Paul Hembery.

And he added: “We want to stay (in F1) longer than three years.”

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