Domenicali backs moves for specific tire tests
FOTA technical chief Ross Brawn said in Turkey that despite the in-season testing ban, there should be some running exempted for the development of the new tires in the "late summer and early winter".
Mercedes reserve driver Nick Heidfeld recently put his hand up to do some tire testing this year, as current supplier Bridgestone is set to be replaced by either Pirelli or Michelin for the 2011 season.
Domenicali agrees that tire testing will be a priority.
"Yes, this is what we have to discuss with the tire manufacturer as soon as we have decided and we know who will be the supplier for next year," he said.
It is suggested that, due to the late appointment of a new supplier, tire tests have become even more necessary, given the short development lead-time and the danger that cars and tires will not be ideally optimized.
"Clearly we need to have some specific testing to make sure the tires are sorted properly," agreed Brawn.
"It may take a few iterations to get where we want to be and undoubtedly there will be a degree of conservatism at the beginning because we can't afford to have any problems with compounds.
"But we're all there to help the new tire supplier and I think we've got a good chance of success," he added.