Ferrari looks set to get the jump on the F1 field for 2017 by being first out of the blocks with a test car.
Top teams have put their hands up to help official supplier Pirelli develop its bigger and significantly different tyres for the wider and faster cars of next year.
According to Auto Motor und Sport, with Pirelli wanting to kick off track testing with specially-modified 2017 test cars, Ferrari is first in line.
"At the moment is looks as though Ferrari could be ready before the German grand prix," revealed correspondent Michael Schmidt.
It is expected that a test, featuring a 2015 Ferrari modified to stimulate the 25% higher downforce load of 2017, will take place at the team's own Fiorano test track.
The only other team preparing a 2017 hybrid test car for Pirelli is Mercedes, whose car will be ready in late August and run at tracks including Silverstone.
