Vergne hopes to test 2017 tires

Jean-Eric Vergne

(GMM) Jean-Eric Vergne thinks the additional testing allocated for Pirelli's 2017 tyre development will give him a chance to return to F1 action.

After threatening to quit the sport if it cannot prepare properly for the new regulations featuring wider tires, Pirelli has now been granted 25 days of running.

Five top teams, including Ferrari, have put up their hands to help Pirelli do the testing, running 2016 cars as well as modified 2013 and 2014 cars.

Former Toro Rosso driver Vergne now races in Formula E, but he also has a role as a Ferrari simulator driver.

"It's incredible to be a part of the famous Scuderia," he told the French broadcaster Canal Plus.

"I'm sure there will be opportunities later in the year to be in the Ferrari. Not at the grand prix weekend, of course, but perhaps within the Pirelli test sessions," the Frenchman added.

Vergne, 25, also serves as Ferrari's reserve driver this year.

"I am at all the races, because you never know what can happen," he said. "Just look at what happened with Alonso in Australia.

"That can happen to anyone, so I'm always ready," Vergne added.