Friday 17 June 2016 17:34, UK
Pirelli have announced they will remain as Formula 1's sole tyre supplier until at least 2019.
The Italian manufacturers announced the news on Friday after a deal had initially been struck over the winter but had yet to be formalised.
The new deal sees their contract with the FIA extend from 2017 to 2019, during which a host of new rule changes are due to take place that could radically shake up the sport.
One of the big changes due for the 2017 season requires Pirelli to introduce bigger and wider tyres aimed at making Formula 1 cars significantly faster.
To allow Pirelli to prepare for the new changes next season, regulations have been modified in order to ensure the Italian manufacturer can test its new tyres before their introduction.
Pirelli will be allowed to test with 2012, 2013 or 2014-spec cars, using various tyres from the current sizes.
Pirelli re-joined Formula 1 in 2011, ousting Bridgestone to become the sport's sole tyre supplier but have faced heavy scrutiny during their six year reign in the sport.
A number of high profile incidents involving tyre blowouts and heavy rubber degradation have frustrated teams and drivers who have complained that the current Pirelli tyre specification dampens their racing instinct.
Despite this, the tyre troubles suffered in Formula 1 have certainly helped increase the entertainment factor, creating more unpredictable racing at the cost of the cars drive-ability.
Testing with 2017-sized tyres will start during the summer after the FIA and participating teams reached an agreement.
