Pirelli Agrees to F1 Test Calendar for 2018 tires

Together with the teams, Pirelli has defined the development program for its 2018 slick and wet weather Formula 1 tires. The program will start next Tuesday, during the in-season test immediately after the Bahrain Grand Prix, and will conclude from 14-15 November at Interlagos in Brazil.

The sporting regulations state that the tests will take place over a total of 25 days of running (with one day of running equating to the use of one car). Unlike last year, all the teams will take part. As a result, Pirelli’s 2018 tires will be tested using current cars, without the need for mule cars like last year.

The way that the tests will be carried out remains identical to last year, so these will still be ‘blind’ tests, without the teams and drivers knowing exactly which type of tires they are trying out.

Eight circuits will host the development program. As well as Bahrain, where Ferrari will devote one car to tire testing on Tuesday, tests will also take place in Barcelona, Silverstone, Magny- Cours, Budapest (again during the in-season test immediately following the grand prix), Mexico and Interlagos. There will also be a wet test at Paul Ricard, using the circuit’s facilities that allow the surface to be artificially dampened.

Below is the test calendar that has been agreed with the FIA and the teams: