Antonelli and Tsunoda bring Pirelli’s Barcelona test to an end
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team and Oracle Red Bull Racing had their respective drivers Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Yuki Tsunoda working on development of the Pirelli 2026 tyres on this second day of the test at the Barcelona circuit. Once again, the programme focused on comparisons of the various constructions and solutions for the hardest compounds in the range. A total of 300 laps was completed today: 150 for the Italian driver (best time 1'14''903) and 150 for the Japanese (1'16''839).
“Our ongoing test programme is coming to its decisive phase,” explained Pirelli Director of Motorsport, Mario Isola. “In fact, by 1st September, the constructions will have to be homologated, while for the compounds we have until 1st December. Here in Barcelona, a track that provides a stern test for tyres, we evaluated the hardest compounds in the range and accumulated valuable data that we will verify at the Silverstone test in July following the British Grand Prix. I wish to thank the three teams and their respective drivers that worked with us during this test. We know it’s not straightforward to stay on at a track for a further two days following a triple-header which ended last Sunday.”
The next development test for 2026 will take place on 19 and 20 June at the Fiorano track where, over the two days, Scuderia Ferrari will be testing wet weather prototype tyres.
