Rain disrupted Pirelli testing in Barcelona
Pirelli didn't have the opportunity to learn much from the tests organized with Mercedes at the Barcelona track for the development of its 2017 tire range. Rain and cold weather disrupted the two days of testing.
The Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli had succeeded in getting Mercedes to agree to have its two main drivers present for two additional days of testing to continue developing the 2017 tires.
But a first setback occurred Thursday morning when Lewis Hamilton had to withdraw from participating, due to a slight foot injury. He was then replaced by Manor driver, Pascal Wehrlein.
The choice of the Barcelona track remains a mystery for Paul Hembery, the head of competition at Pirelli: « It is obvious that the weather has hindered progress to a certain extent, both today and yesterday. Which was not entirely unexpected at this time of year in Europe. »
For the next tests, Hembery would therefore like to have the opportunity to conduct them on a warmer track, which is why he advocates for testing in Bahrain rather than Barcelona during the winter: “The same thing can happen during the first part of the year, which is why we are in favor of some guaranteed warm-weather testing in 2017, before the season heats up.”
On Thursday, Nico Rosberg completed only 60 laps and Pascal Wehrlein only 31 the following day. The Pirelli tests will continue for three days on the Yas Marina track in Abu Dhabi, with Red Bull and in likely more favorable weather conditions.
