Pirelli eyes Pastor Maldonado and Giedo van der Garde for F1 tests

The duo completed two days of testing in a GP2 car at Mugello recently, which focused on evaluating GP2 construction tyres.

Pirelli is keen to get going with its 2017 F1 tyre testing plan after the World Motor Sport Council approved more track time.

There will be 25 'car days' of testing using current cars, fitted with 2017 tyres, and further running to test prototype 2017 tyres in 2016 sizes on 2013 or 2014 cars.

Maldonado, who lost his F1 drive at the end of last season, is understood to have a good relationship with Pirelli.

The Venezuelan has recent F1 experience, a good reputation for tyre management and is to be keen on being involved in the testing programme.

Van der Garde raced for Caterham in F1 in 2013 and has returned to action with the Jota Sport LMP2 team this season having set out last year following his legal dispute over a Sauber drive.

For the early tests with older cars, teams are believed to be keen to have their own drivers behind the wheel of their machinery.

But when testing moves onto a mule car, Pirelli's hope is to use its own test driver for consistency of feedback.

Mugello and Fiorano are believed to be the main two tracks favoured for the testing.