F1 | Pirelli announces plans for 18-inch tyre tests in preparation for 2022
The development of the new 18-inch tyres that started back in 2019 and was paused as a result of Covid-19 pandemic, will resume.
Pirelli announced the rest of the plans to test 18-inch tires with 9 of the 10 teams (Williams the missing one) in Formula 1 during 2021 in preparation for the 2022 season, where the new compounds will enter regulations.
The dates will be applied in 20 days of testing divided into 10 sessions, 2 of which have already happened with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, preparing to get into form for the season since last February 22, 23, and 24, at the circuit of Jerez.
Pirelli also explained in an official statement that “In total, the test sessions cover 20 days throughout 2021, but as more than one car will be running during some of those days, there will be 28 ‘car days’ in all over the course of the year.”
Bahrain, Imola, the Barcelona circuit in Cataluña, Paul Ricard and Magny-Cours, Spielberg in Austria, and Silverstone, all complemented with Budapest, are the circuits chosen to carry out the tests, where six of them will be immediately interspersed with the championship races during the 2021 season.
Two out of the next eight tests of the 18-inch tires are planned for slick compounds, while the dates scheduled for France during May and September at Paul Ricard and Magny-Cours respectively are planned with the wet-track compound.
“We’re looking forward to resuming our tests for the new 18-inch tires shortly, but as the Covid-19 pandemic – which led to the suspension of the test programme last year – is not yet over, it’s possible that our planned schedule for this year may have to be modified. As a result, we have a back-up plan too.” Mario Isola, head of F1 and car racing stated.
“Nonetheless, we have put together a programme that should enable us to pick up solidly from where we left off in 2019 and finalise the specification for a new generation of tyre under fresh regulations that will give Formula 1 a very different look next year.”
10 #Fit4F1 test sessions spread out over 28 days with our 18-inch tyres are planned this season as we prepare for 2022. Discover more: https://t.co/AVJt04wNR5 pic.twitter.com/hVHUIkz5yT
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) March 1, 2021
“Many thanks to all the teams for their support in providing simulations and mule cars, giving us a good base to work from. We will be testing both our slick and wet prototype 18-inch tyres for 2022: we started already at Jerez in Spain for three days with Ferrari, and we will end up at France’s Magny-Cours circuit with Alpine in September.” Isola finalized.
