F1 | Pirelli: test calendar for 18-inch tires published

Yesterday, the 2020 Pirelli private tests began for the development of the new tires that we will see in action from the next season, 2021, when the regulations will undergo a substantial change, also switching to 18-inch rims.

Already in 2018 the manufacturer had the opportunity to start testing its products for 2021 with some teams, including Renault and Mercedes, which had made available a test car specifically designed for the new tires. In the 25 days of testing available in 2020, however, all the teams in the championship will participate, carrying out tests on both dry and wet surfaces with a forklift single-seater adequately modified, especially at a suspension level, which however, by regulation, must be linked to those used in the 2018 or 2019 championships. The first to take to the track for these tests was Charles Leclerc with Ferrari, with the Maranello Scuderia which will be the protagonist again for a further test in a few weeks, when it will test the 18 inch tires in the wet at Fiorano, one of the few circuits on which there is an artificial irrigation system.

Immediately after the Bahrain Grand Prix, it will be the turn of Renault and Mercedes, who will remain in Sakhir for dry tests. Naturally, as required by the regulations, the tests that take place on a circuit that is included in the world championship calendar can only take place after the actual running of the Grand Prix, so as not to obtain possible advantages. Two more wet sessions will take place at Paul Ricard.

Private testing will take place throughout the season, until mid-October, when Haas heads to Suzuka immediately after the Japanese Grand Prix. Added to this will be the collective test session which will take place, as usual, in Abu Dhabi.

Here is the complete calendar of private tests: