Pirelli to test 2022's 18-inch F1 tires for 28 days this year

Pirelli plans to hold 2022 test sessions with nine Formula 1 teams for a total of 28 days in preparation for the 10 season.

In addition to the transition to 2022-inch tires in the 18 season, new technical regulations will also come into play. On the other hand, the testing program will depend on the restrictions that the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic may cause. The development of new 18-inch tires was actually started in 2019, but the work was suspended for a year due to the Covid-19 outbreak. This year, tests of 18-inch tires will continue with a mixed schedule, with slick (flat racing tires - seven sessions) and wet (wet tires - three sessions) versions. In this context, in addition to four independent tests, six tests will be carried out after each Grand Prix. Both slick and wet tires were tested in the first two test sessions held with Ferrari at the Jerez track in Spain between February 22-24 this year. Test sessions will cover a total of 2021 days in 20, but there will be 28 'car days' (22 days dry, six days wet) throughout the year as more than one car will be used on some days.

Mario Isola, F1 and Auto Racing Director: “We hope to continue testing the new 18-inch tires soon. However, the Covid-19 pandemic that caused the test program to be suspended last year has not yet passed. We may need to change the schedule we plan for this year. That's why we also have a backup plan. Nevertheless, we have prepared a program that we can continue where we left off in 2019. Next year, we are planning to complete the technical specifications of the new generation tires in accordance with the new regulations, which will give Formula 1 a very different look. Many thanks to all the teams who supported us with simulations and development cars and provided a solid foundation on which we can work. For the 2022 season, we will test both slick and wet versions of 18-inch tires. We will complete the program, which we started with three days of tests with Ferrari at the Jerez track in Spain, with Alpine at the Magny-Cours track in France in September. “