Ferrari drivers complete Pirelli 18-inch tyre test in Bahrain

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz remained in Bahrain after last Sunday's race, the pair grinding around Sakhir on Tuesday and putting to the task Pirelli's 2022 18-inch tyres.

Formula 1 will introduce the new wheel and tyre specification next season as part of an extensive overhaul of the sport's technical regulations.

Pirelli unveiled earlier this month its test schedule for its 2022 18-inch tyres, a program that will include 20 days of running involving all teams with the exception of Williams which does not have the ability to supply a mule car for the tests.

Read also: Pirelli unveils 18-inch test schedule for 2021

Ferrari kick-started the development program in Jerez in February and continued this week in Bahrain where Leclerc and Sainz completed a total of 141 lap on Tuesday.

Alpine and Esteban Ocon take over Pirelli's workload on Wednesday at Sakhir.

Pirelli will resume its testing program with Mercedes at Imola on April 20-21.

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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.