Test near Rome for Pirelli and McLaren

Kimi Raikkonen driving his McLaren MP4-21 in Japan (2006)

Pirelli has decided to test tyres for the 2014 season at Vallelunga, near Rome.

After some teams vetoed the tyre supplier's plans to head to Austin with McLaren and one of the British team's 2011 cars, we reported that Aragon, Spain, had been earmarked as a likely alternative venue.

But Auto Motor und Sport on Thursday said Pirelli has in fact decided on Vallelunga, and has invited other teams to attend as well.

A new date has also been decided -- 11 and 12 November, between the Abu Dhabi and US grands prix.

It is believed McLaren will field test driver Oliver Turvey and young hotshoe Kevin Magnussen, who is in the running for a Force India race seat.

McLaren still has a collaboration deal in place with Force India, raising the prospect of Magnussen being used as 'leverage' for a 2014 deal.

"They (Force India) want to extend (the collaboration), but we haven't agreed to that," team boss Martin Whitmarsh is quoted by The National.

"But at the same time, I don't want leverage. One way or another we will find a way."

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