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Pirelli confirms 12-hour test and new ultra-soft compound

Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Pirelli will debut its new ultra-soft tyre at a 12-hour test two days after the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Yas Marina test will focus exclusively on slick tyre development, with teams not allowed to try new parts or alter their cars during the day. As well as working on the construction of the 2016 tyres the test will give teams the chance to test the ultra-soft tyre, which will become the fifth dry tyre compound next year (alongside super-soft, soft, medium and hard).

The teams have been asked to supply race or reserve drivers to enhance the quality of feedback given on the new compound. Participation is voluntary but Pirelli says all teams involved will field one car each.

Pirelli confirmed the ultra-soft tyre will have be marked with purple after 85 percent voted for that colour over silver in a public vote.