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First pictures of Pirelli's Abu Dhabi tyre test are revealed

The first images from Pirelli's behind-closed-doors tyre test in Abu Dhabi, marking the end of the F1 season, have been released.

The media were barred from attending the event while the teams weren't allowed to run any new parts on their cars.

McLaren's Stoffel Vandoorne topped the timesheets - the first time, at the very last attempt, the team topped a timesheet in 2015.

Image: Vandoorne is also the GP2 champion and has replaced Kevin Magnussen as McLaren's 2016 reserve driver

It's not known what type of tyre the young Belgian driver was using when he set his fastest lap. Pirelli's Paul Hembery revealed afterwards that F1's tyre makers had "tested different versions of the new ultrasoft compound for 2016" which has been "mainly designed as aggressive choice for street circuits".

Image: Max Verstappen running in the Toro Rosso

While Pirelli are still evaluating the results of the test, the FIA have announced that drivers will be allowed to pick their own tyres in 2016.

Daniel Ricciardo takes the RB11 for its last run of 2015
Image: Daniel Ricciardo takes the RB11 for its last run of 2015

Pirelli have also announced that they intend to host a wet-weather test at the end of January at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France.

Image: Jordan King debuted for Manor

The first official pre-season test of 2016 is scheduled to start on February 22 in Barcelona.

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Jolyon Palmer,  who will partner Pastor Maldonado next year, in action in the Lotus
Image: Jolyon Palmer, who will partner Pastor Maldonado next year, in action in the Lotus

There will be just eight days of pre-season running next year before the season starts in Australia.

Image: Our last glance at the W06, Mercedes' championship-winning car, with Pascal Wehrlein at the wheel

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