German Nico Rosberg suffered a scare while testing in Bahrain on Thursday when a new Pirelli prototype tyre exploded at 300km/h.

The Mercedes driver was not hurt in the incident but the German team still pulled the plug on the test at the Sakhir circuit in Manama.

Pirelli explained the test, which also involved Ferrari, Red Bull and Toro Rosso, involved “several completely innovative prototypes in terms of structure and composition with the view to developing the best solutions for next season.”

The tyres were supposed to be used for next season but Pirelli said the type that blew would not be used again.

But they insisted: “The security of the tyres that will be supplied next season has not been compromised.”