Pirelli reveal 18-inch tire test plan across new F1 season

Pirelli has confirmed plans for the testing of its new 18-inch tires to be introduced for next season.

The Italian manufacturer recently conducted a three-day test with Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. at Jerez as an early introduction to understanding its much-anticipated new rubber.

Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola said: “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 program 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.

“Nonetheless, we have put together a program that should enable us to pick up solidly from where we left off in 2019 and finalize the specification for a new generation of tire under fresh regulations that will give Formula 1 a very different look next year.

“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 tires 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.”