Pirelli testing at Monza and Fiorano: Ferrari tests 2025 F1 tires and prepares for upcoming races
09/04/2024 05:32 PM
Four teams, three drivers, and two tracks. No effort is being spared in the development work for the 2025 tires in the final quarter of the year, which is crucial for finalizing the compounds to be used next season. However, regarding tire construction, the specifications were frozen on September 1st in accordance with the regulations.
While Mercedes and Red Bull were busy at at the Monza circuit yesterday, today Pirelli continued slick tire development at the National Autodrome with the support of Racing Bulls.
Rain overnight left the track damp for the first part of the morning, so Liam Lawson began his day running on intermediate tires before switching to slicks once the track surface dried.
Unfortunately, the scheduled program for the New Zealand driver was not completed due to a technical issue with the car that occurred in the early afternoon. By that time, he had completed 76 laps, with the fastest time being 1’22″530.
Also today, but in Emilia-Romagna, Pirelli utilized Ferrari’s hospitality and support for a test at Fiorano. Driving an SF-24 single-seater, Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman worked on developing new solutions for wet and intermediate tires, making use of the artificial irrigation system available at the Maranello circuit. The British driver initially completed a few laps on dry tires before focusing on the program set by Pirelli’s engineers. In total, Oliver Bearman completed 167 laps.
Ferrari’s testing, however, is slightly unusual, as the SF-24 took to the track in a maximum aerodynamic downforce configuration, which is uncommon for Fiorano. This setup was recognizable by the Monaco rear wing and the rear wing with rather vertical flaps. It was a crucial “free” testing opportunity for Ferrari, which was also able to try out the new floor under different conditions than those at Monza, with a series of consecutive turns. This combination of elements suggests that the session was a preparation for the races in Baku and Singapore, where some updates might arrive during the Asian rounds.
Pirelli’s track development tests will continue with a very busy schedule from now until the end of the year, not only in preparation for next season but also for the one following.
The next test is scheduled in Spain on September 17th and 18th: the first prototypes of the 2026 tires will make their debut at the Barcelona circuit. As is known, the 2026 tires will still be 18" but slightly narrower than the current ones.
The first test will be conducted with the support of Aston Martin, which will provide a modified AMR23 mule-car to accommodate the new tire dimensions. The 2025 tire tests will continue at Magny-Cours on October 1st and 2nd, where Mercedes will be participating on the French track.
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