Pirelli puts 2015 prototype tires through their paces
ERJ staff report (TP)
Barcelona, Spain – Pirelli said the second in-season test of the year took place after the Spanish Grand Prix, working on testing structures and compounds for 2015. Sauber and Toro Rosso tested on the first day (13 May), with Force India and McLaren taking over throughout day two (14 May).
With the first day mostly wet, just the new intermediate compounds were tested in the morning. In the afternoon, with the test timetable having been altered to maximise dry running, some of the prototype slicks for 2015 got their first outing at the Barcelona circuit. The focus on the opening afternoon was on new constructions, with around half the anticipated programme completed.
On the second day, held in dry conditions with track temperatures peaking in excess of 40°C, new constructions as well as compounds were tested with McLaren and Force India. McLaren completed the programme with Stoffel Vandoorne, who then went on to set his fastest time of the day on the current 2014 medium tire, as the team ran some of their own tests, a procedure allowed by the current regulations. Daniel Juncadella tested for Force India, but was not able to finish the anticipated work due to delays and off-track excursions.
Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery said: “With rain affecting the first day of testing, the programme was put slightly out of kilter from the beginning, but this is something that you obviously expect and factor into your plans.
“It was also a good opportunity to try out some new intermediate weather tires for next year. Once the weather became drier, we were able to focus on the new 2015 slick tires. Following the test in Bahrain, we’re now beginning to build up a good picture of where we stand going into next year, so there is plenty of useful data to analyse heading into the next in-season test after Silverstone.”
The next in-season test will take place after the British Grand Prix (6 July). Ferrari and Lotus will test for Pirelli on the opening day, followed by Red Bull and Marussia on day two. The final in-season test will be held in Abu Dhabi (23 November), after the race, where teams will have the first opportunity to sample the brand new 2015 tire range.
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Press release from Pirelli
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