Pascal Wehrlein to carry out Mercedes' 2017 Pirelli F1 tyre tests

Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull are splitting 10 sessions over 24 days during a series of tests that culminate in Abu Dhabi at the end of November.

Manor driver and Mercedes reserve Wehrlein has already appeared for the latter in the in-season tests at Barcelona and Silverstone this season.

The German will be behind the wheel for all three days next week at Paul Ricard, starting on Tuesday, with the focus on slick tyre testing.

Nico Rosberg said he is keen to keep an eye on the progress of the tests but does not anticipate getting involved until later in the programme.

"I'm interested to see how they are, and to learn as soon as possible about them, but I'm going to wait until it's really useful," he said.

When asked whether Rosberg or Lewis Hamilton would drive in the tests at some point, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: "At the moment it's not planned that they make the test.

"It's Pascal who is lined up, but maybe for the last one in Abu Dhabi it might change."

Ferrari and Red Bull have already completed one session apiece, with Ferrari next in action on Tuesday and Wednesday at Barcelona

The Scuderia has yet to confirm who will be behind the wheel, though Sebastian Vettel has said he is keen to do more after his first stint.