F1 News
Pirelli begins test program for 2023 tyre with four teams in Imola
- GPblog.com
Pirelli is organizing 18 test days in 2022 to test its tyres for 2023. This does not bring it up to the maximum number of tests it is allowed to do, but there is simply no more room on the F1 calendar.
Full Formula 1 calendar
Pirelli are given a maximum of 25 days by the FIA to test the new tyres for next season. However, with the crowded calendar of 23 races, this is not easy. Pirelli's test days are easiest to organize after a Grand Prix, but with back-to-back races, many circuits can't be used.
Normally, Silverstone and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya are the two circuits chosen to test the new tyres, but both races will be followed by another Grand Prix so there is no time for testing then. Pirelli has, according to Motorsport.com, finally found five circuits where testing can take place: Imola, Mugello, the Red Bull Ring, Hungaroring and Monza.
The 18 days will be divided fairly among the nine teams that want to participate in the test. Haas has chosen to not take part this year, where the other teams do see an opportunity in the test days. Although the FIA has clearly defined what the teams are not allowed to do during such a test, it is still extra kilometers that can be made with the new cars.
Not all teams test Pirelli tires
Most teams choose to complete the two test days at the same circuit, but that does not apply to Red Bull Racing, Ferrari and Alpine. They will run two test days spread over two different circuits and may have more data at their disposal.
On Tuesday 26 April, AlphaTauri, Alfa Romeo and Alpine will kick off with a test day at the Imola circuit. One day later Alpine will no longer be in action, but it will be Ferrari that will compete alongside Alfa Romeo and AlphaTauri. The next test day is then not until 24 June. Then Ferrari will be in action on Friday at Mugello after the race weekend in Canada.
Red Bull Racing will be in action later this year. The racing team of Max Verstappen will test on 12 July at its own Red Bull Ring after the Austrian Grand Prix along with McLaren and Williams. Red Bull is also the last team to be in action this year. Indeed, after the Italian GP, the team is the only one to hold the second and final test day at Monza on 13 September.