Pirelli ahead of schedule after test

The team has been using a TF109 and feedback from test driver Nick Heidfeld to bring on its development programme.

And following an intensive two day's work at Paul Ricard, using various layout configurations of the French track, Pirelli's motorsport director Paul Hembery is pleased with the efforts.

"We're very happy with the progress we've made so far, which actually puts us slightly ahead of where we expected to be at this point in time," said Hembery.

"We worked through an initial development programme that has given us a useful insight into the performance of our prototype tyres under a wide range of conditions, corners and speeds.

"We've been hugely encouraged by what we've seen up to now, and that's been helped by both Nick's clear and precise feedback, as well as all the different possibilities afforded to us by the Paul Ricard circuit."