Pirelli urges Formula 1 teams to support proper wet tyre test

One of the lessons that came out of Bianchi's Japanese GP crash was that Pirelli should have more support in helping deliver the best possible rain tyres.

The panel that looked into the circumstances of the crash suggested that there be an annual test that was focused solely on wet running.

Pirelli has faced criticism from drivers about its wet tyres, but it is hamstrung in what it can do by severe limitations on testing.

Although F1's sporting regulations stipulate that one day of pre-season running should be devoted to wet work, and the FIA has discussed a proper test, there has not yet been significant progress in sorting the matter out.

Speaking to AUTOSPORT, Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery said his company was willing to hold a full-on wet tyre test, but team support was lacking.

"It is in the regulations, but a water tank around Jerez is not exactly what we had in mind," explained Hembery, in reference to the use of a tractor to water the track last year.

"We thought maybe Paul Ricard or going to Fiorano would be ideal.

"These are the only tracks where you can do something sensible but that opens up other discussions. Equally we need to look at the bigger picture.

"We feel a proper wet session at the start of each season would be beneficial for everybody.

"The teams can work on crossover points really early on, drivers can get used to the impact of changes to their car, how it affects the performance, and if we have made changes what effect those changes have had."

When asked whether discussions had moved on to make the test a reality, Hembery said: "We don't really have any indication of that at the moment. We are happy to do it but it has to be done in the correct way."