F1, Pirelli proposes to carry out tests in 2012 on a World Championship circuit after a grand prix

Pirelli has proposed for next year during the Formula 1 season to carry out tests on a World Championship track immediately after a grand prix - because it believes that very significant data could be collected.

Formula 1 teams are reportedly close to reaching an agreement that will see the return of some testing sessions during the season to allow for development work.

The current plan, which was discussed at a FOTA meeting on Saturday night at the Nurburgring, involves a three-day test which is expected to take place before the start of the European phase of the 2012 season.

The location for the test has not been decided, because the teams want to wait for the final calendar from Bernie Ecclestone and the FIA. However, one possibility could be to carry out the tests on a circuit not in the world championship such as Mugello for example.

Although Pirelli is also ready for the test decided by the teams, it said it would make more sense if it took place at a World Championship circuit in the days after an F1 race.

Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery said: “We would like to do a mid-season test in championship conditions – preferably on a world championship circuit.”

“The ideal would be for us to stay a day after a race, like we do for testing with young drivers in Abu Dhabi, because then you have all the data from the race, plus the data you will get from any changes.”

“From our point of view it would be ideal if we could stay after a particular race, we really don't care where.”