Pirelli concludes at Jerez third 2026 tyre development test session

©Pirelli

Pirelli concluded on Thursday at Jerez de la Frontera its third test session of 2025 devoted to the development of its range of 2026 F1 tyres.

McLaren and Alpine supplied ‘mule’ versions of their 2024 machines, with Pato O’Ward and Pierre Gasly taking to the track on Wednesday.

The workload focused on development solutions for a variety of Pirelli’s slick compounds ranging from C2 to C4.

O’Ward racked up a total of 153 laps on the opening day while Galsy completed 157 laps.

The fastest laps the drivers recorded in the course of the day were 1’19’’484 for O’Ward and 1’18’’092 per Gasly, though these were far from meaningful marks given the specifics of the different work programmes Pirelli carried out with the two teams.

Mercedes takes over from McLaren

On Thursday, testing centered once again on the Italian supplier’s 2026 product which maintain the current 18” diameter, while being slightly narrower by 25 millimetres at the front and 30 at the rear.

While Alpine was once again on track with F1 rookie Jack Doohan, Mercedes replaced McLaren, with George Russell assigned to the Brackley squad’s W15 charger, specifically modified to be fitted with the new dimension of tyre.

©Pirelli

A total of 248 laps were completed, split as follows: 113 for Doohan and 135 for Russell.

The two teams ran different programmes so their performance cannot be compared, but for the record, the Australian’s best lap time was a 1’17’’255 and the Englishman posted a 1’17’976.

Pirelli Piles Up the data

“Yet another good test in the early days of 2025, thanks to the vital collaboration of the three teams involved,” commented Pirelli’s Director of Motorsport, Mario Isola.

“In addition to the data gathered in Paul Ricard and the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, we now have a great deal of very important information from the Jerez circuit.

“Even though it has not featured on the championship calendar for many years now, it is still an interesting test bench, partly down to the good weather it enjoys at this time of year.

“Now we still have one more test session prior to the start of the 2025 season, to bring to an end this initial and crucial phase of working on track.

“The information gathered so far will allow us to direct our development in an ever more precise fashion for the coming tests.”

Pirelli’s next session will take place in Bahrain on 2 and 3 March, when Alpine will once again be on track, this time joined by Williams.

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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.