Second and final day of Pirelli testing at Silverstone, focused on 2026 wet weather tyre development. Once again today, it was the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team which provided the car and driver, a mule car based on the 2024 W15, with George Russell at the wheel.

Today’s programme focused on comparison testing between various extreme wet and intermediate tyre prototypes and, again today, this took place on the 2.630 kilometre-long National layout at the English circuit, artificially soaked using water tankers. Russell completed 80 laps, the quickest in 46’’190, bringing the total distance covered over the two days to 481 kilometres.

“First of all, I want to thank Mercedes and its drivers for their cooperation. To get straight back on track immediately off the back of a Grand Prix on the other side of the Atlantic is a major commitment and we truly appreciate it,” commented Mario Isola, Pirelli Motorsport Director. “It was a very useful test, because it allowed us to gather valuable insights on our rain tyres, to add to those acquired in Paul Ricard back in January. With the intermediates we were able to confirm that the on-track development matches our expectations, while the results with the full wets were inconclusive and will need to now be thoroughly analysed in the coming days to continue refining the product for next season.”

The next test session to prepare for 2026, this time focussed on the slicks, is scheduled for 3 and 4 June at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, in the days following the Spanish Grand Prix. Mercedes will once again be on hand, this time joined by Racing Bulls. The next wet weather tyre test will take place on 19 and 20 June, when just Ferrari will be on hand at their own Fiorano track, which is equipped with an artificial track irrigation system.



Automobile Magazine

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