Mercedes will run two cars during the upcoming post-British Grand Prix in-season test a fortnight from now, after getting permission to run its 2014 car as well as its current car, as it bids to aid Pirelli's 2017 tyre development.
While teams are limited to just one car in testing, Pirelli has sought permission to use the two-day test as an opportunity to trial some development tyres as it seeks to get a head start on the major technical revolution planned for next season.
Next year will see the introduction of wider and grippier tyres to cope with an increase in downforce. As a result, Pirelli were granted additional test days with older cars and modified 2015-spec cars to simulate 2017 downforce levels. The latter tests aren't set to take place until later in the year.
Pascal Wehrlein will drive the Mercedes W05 (2014) during the test, whilst Esteban Ocon will test for the Mercedes team using its W07 on both days.
The team ran Nico Rosberg and Wehrlein at the previous in-season test in Spain, and are therefore required to run a young driver on both days.
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