Rain upsets Pirelli test with Vandoorne at Spa-Francorchamps

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vandoorne pirelli at spa
2 August 2023 at 18:56
Last update 2 August 2023 at 20:21
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  • GPblog.com

For the first time since 2021, Stoffel Vandoorne got to drive a Formula 1 car again, but the Belgian must have imagined the session at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit differently. A Pirelli test was supposed to try slicks that do not require tyre warmers. But persistent rain meant that that plan could be scrapped on Wednesday. Vandoorne, driving for Aston Martin, and McLaren driver Lando Norris had to have the full wets fitted under their cars.

Pirelli may not have been sad about it. After all, the Italian tyre manufacturer does not often get the chance - as was evident last weekend, for instance - to test this type of tyre on an F1 circuit. Especially in the morning hours, the water came pouring down from the sky. In the end, Vandoorne managed 53 laps and a fastest time of 1.57.631. Norris drove 40 laps and had a best time of 2.00.628. A day earlier and also in rainy conditions, Lance Stroll drove 70 laps in his Aston Martin. He recorded a best time of 1.57.697, while Oscar Piastri drove 47 laps in his McLaren and reached a 2.00.682.


Despite the bad weather, Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola was satisfied with the test session. "Just as was the case over the Belgian GP weekend, there was no respite from the rain during these two days of testing at Spa. Consequently, we had to limit ourselves to development work on the intermediate and extreme wet tyres, on asphalt that changed a lot according to the amount of surface water. Despite the difficulties, we managed to cover almost 1500kms with Aston Martin and McLaren. It was a very useful session, which allowed us to collect important data as we plan our testing programme between now and the end of the year, the focus of which has obviously changed following the decisions taken at the recent F1 Commission meeting," Isola said, referring to the postponement of the ban on tyre warmers.

Vandoorne speaks of 'great experience'

Stoffel Vandoorne reacted afterwards to X on his first race laps in a Formula One car, following his test for Mercedes in late 2021. The Belgian said, "Hey guys, so we just finished the Pirelli testing day here in Spa. Was an awesome experience, my first time driving in green as well, so that was a special moment. And to do that at my home track as well was great. Obviously a lot of rain today so quite slippery track conditions, but it was a great experience. Enjoyed every lap of it and I can't wait to be back next time."