Extra time in Bahrain

After the three day test involving all the drivers and teams competing in the Formula 1 championship, the Sakhir track is now hosting “extra time” with two more days of Pirelli testing, carried out with Alpine and Williams.

The aim is the same since the start of this year, to develop the new generation of 18” tyres, with a smaller diameter and narrower by 25 millimetres at the front and 30 at the rear, that will be used as from 2026.

Today’s programme focused on evaluating various different constructions, but with the same compound. Spain’s Carlos Sainz was at the wheel for Williams, completing a total of 116 laps, the fastest in a time of 1’34”740, while Alpine fielded Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa, who made the trip from the Lusail circuit where last Friday, he had been racing in the 1812 kilometres of Qatar, the opening round of the World Endurance Championship. He completed 131 laps, the best being a 1’35”336. Both cars were specially modified to accommodate the new specification of tyre, based on those used in the 2023 season: the Alpine A523 and the Williams FW45.

Testing continues at this circuit tomorrow, when Paul Aron will drive the Alpine and Alexander Albon the Williams.