Pirelli unveils 18-inch test schedule for 2021

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Pirelli has allocated a total of 20 test days spread across nine teams for the development of Formula 1's 2022 18-inch tyres that will be introduced next season.

All current F1 teams except for Williams will take part in the program, with the Grove-based outfit's absence justified by its inability to supply a mule car for the test.

The program was initiated last week at Jerez with Ferrari and will resume in Bahrain at the end of this month.

In addition to the Sakhir track, Pirelli has earmarked Imola, Barcelona, Paul Ricard, Spielberg, Silverstone, Budapest and Magny-Cours as its venues of choice, with both French tracks hosting wet tyre tests.

Read also: Sainz mum on rumored Jerez crash during Pirelli tyre test

Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola is hopeful the program will run smoothly until mid-September, but COVID-19 disruptions could force a few changes on F1's exclusive tyre supplier.

"It's possible that our planned schedule for this year may have to be modified," said Isola.

"As a result, we have a back-up plan too. Nonetheless, we have put together a programme that should enable us to pick up solidly from where we left off in 2019 and finalise the specification for a new generation of tyre under fresh regulations that will give Formula 1 a very different look next year.

"Many thanks to all the teams for their support in providing simulations and mule cars, giving us a good base to work from.

"We will be testing both our slick and wet prototype 18-inch tyres for 2022: we started already at Jerez in Spain for three days with Ferrari, and we will end up at France’s Magny-Cours circuit with Alpine in September."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.