Pirelli set to finally get chance to test wet Formula 1 tyres

Formula 1 tyre-supplier Pirelli finally looks set to conduct the wet-weather test it has long called for

The likelihood is the test will take place in February 2016 at the Paul Ricard circuit.

It will offer Pirelli the opportunity to gain valuable information on its wet rubber, in particular the little-used full-wet compound teams have voiced concerns over.

"It is something which is being discussed at the moment, but it looks like an early slot next year," said Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery.

"The best time of the year for it is probably October or early spring, simply because where we would go testing in a controlled environment is Paul Ricard.

"You can imagine in August it's too hot because as soon as you put the water down, within a few minutes the circuit is dry.

"Even with a sprinkler system the evaporation rates are very, very high."

As to which teams will run, Hembery added: "It depends how many people want to come along.

"Everyone will be invited, but the reality is only a small number will actually want to participate."

Rain affected Friday's second Canadian Grand Prix practice session, prompting McLaren's Fernando Alonso to highlight teams have little faith in the wet tyres at present.

"We don't have the tyres to run in those conditions," said Alonso after only the two Mercedes went out in the rain, with Lewis Hamilton immediately crashing on intermediates.

"I understand the fans completely. I know they compare to 10 years ago, 20 years ago when the cars were running, even with much more water on the track.