Not many laps for the 2026 rain tyres at Magny-Cours

Today, the prototype rain tyres for 2026 were scheduled to make their track debut at Magny-Cours, these tyres running the same 18” rims as the current generation, but with slightly smaller width and external diameter, on both the front and rear axles.

The test is taking place in collaboration with the BWT Alpine F1 Team which brought along a modified version of the A523, adapted to accept the new size of wheel rim. Driving duties were entrusted to the Australian, Jack Doohan, this year’s reserve driver for the French team, who is being promoted to the role of race driver as from next season. Unfortunately, a technical problem on the car reduced the time spent on track: Doohan completed a total of 47 laps, the best in a time of 1’16”461, set on slick tyres. Dry weather tyres were used at first, before switching to testing the intermediates and extreme wets on the artificially watered track.

Testing continues at Magny-Cours tomorrow, again with Doohan behind the wheel.