Pirelli announces its 2018 tire test program
The ten teams on the Formula 1 grid have agreed to take part in the tire testing program granted to Pirelli to prepare its tires for the 2018 season.
The sole manufacturer of Formula 1 will benefit this season from a testing program to develop its tires in preparation for the 2018 season. This program will take place over 25 days (each team present counting as 1 day) per car spread throughout the 2017 season.
Let’s recall that last year only Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull agreed to provide their 2014 specification cars, modified to simulate downforce meeting the 2017 regulations, to Pirelli at their own expense for a number of testing days on different circuits. This year all teams have agreed to participate in the exercise.
The testing schedule has already been revealed by the FIA:
| Dates | Circuit | Team(s) | Tire Type | |
| 1 | April 18 | Bahrain | Ferrari | Dry tires |
| 2 | May 16-17 | Barcelona | Renault and Toro Rosso | Dry tires |
| 3 | May 31 and June 1 | Paul Ricard | Red Bull | Wet tires |
| 4 | June 29-30 | Paul Ricard | Red Bull | Dry tires |
| 5 | July 18-19 | Silverstone | Williams and Haas | Dry tires |
| 6 | July 19-20 | Magny-Cours | McLaren | Wet tires |
| 7 | August 1 or 2 | Hungaroring | Mercedes | Dry tires |
| 8 | August 3-4 | Barcelona | Ferrari | Dry tires |
| 9 | September 7-8 | Paul Ricard | Mercedes | Dry tires |
| 10 | October 31 and November 1 | Mexico | Sauber and Force India (1 day) | Dry tires |
| 11 | November 14-15 | Interlagos | McLaren | Dry tires |
The first session actually took place last Tuesday on the sidelines of the private tests in Bahrain with Sebastian Vettel at the wheel of the Ferrari. Technical problems with the Ferrari disrupted the session, and the other teams agreed that the German could continue his running until 9 p.m. instead of 6 p.m.
Unlike last year, teams will be allowed to use their cars from this season but will have to inform the FIA of the configuration used (engine, chassis, bodywork, electronic options). Similarly, no new parts or developments can be tested on the cars. The testing will be dictated by Pirelli, who will share the collected data with other teams.
