A particularly important Pirelli F1 test is currently taking place at the Barcelona circuit in Catalonia.
The first prototypes of the tyres that will be used from the 2026 season have completed their first test run. As confirmed by the FIA, the 18-inch rim diameter remains the same as on the current generation of cars, while the width and outer diameter of the tyres will be slightly smaller on the front and rear axles.
After the first stages of design, simulation and test bench work, in parallel, the development program will include a series of track tests carried out with the essential collaboration of the teams.
According to the first version of the technical regulations, the details of which are yet to be finalised, the aerodynamic configuration of the cars will be very different and therefore the loads exerted on the tyres will also change. Track testing is therefore important to reproduce as faithfully as possible the conditions that will be found in 2026. Therefore, the teams that will take part in the tests will use a modified car and the first of these is Aston Martin F1 which has provided an adapted 2023 car.
Aston Martin F1 team reserve driver Felipe Drugovich was on track. The Brazilian, a member of the Silverstone-based team’s Academy, completed 670 kilometres and will return to the track on Wednesday.
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