In an effort to improve the safety of Formula One's tyres, the governing body sanctioned a test this month in Bahrain. Six teams had agreed to participate in the test, in which they would be limited by what they could do and the schedule would be dictated by Pirelli. There will be 2013 spec cars in action, at the Bahrain International Circuit, from 17-19th December, but now some of the teams have pulled out.

McLaren and Force India have decided not to run after all, leaving just Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and Toro Rosso as the confirmed teams. Ferrari have revealed they will be giving Pedro de la Rosa some seat time, hoping the development driver can help to corroborate the data they have been seeing in the wind tunnel. They'll also give Jules Bianchi a run, as the Frenchman remains part of their young driver programme.

Lotus, Sauber, Williams and the two backmarker teams had already confirmed they would not be attending the test, although all eleven teams were given the opportunity to participate.