FIA stops McLaren's Pirelli test in Austin - report

Oct.3 (GMM) The FIA has scuppered McLaren's plans to test Pirelli tyres with a 2011 car at the US grand prix venue in Austin, it emerged on Thursday.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said the British team and F1's tyre supplier planned to do the 1000km test in mid October, but did not get the green light from the FIA.

The report said the FIA baulked because the test, which would have been funded by Pirelli, would have taken place mere weeks ahead of the grand prix at the very same venue in Texas, USA.

"The competition, including McLaren rival Force India, had complained," wrote correspondent Michael Schmidt.

"Now, Pirelli and McLaren will have to find another track to test the new-generation tyres."