Pirelli’s Bahrain Test: Teams Dive Deep into Tyre Options for the 2026 Season
Formula 1 teams are back on track at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain for the second pre-season testing session, running from February 18th to 20th. This week focuses on extensive tyre testing as teams prepare for the 2026 championship.
Expanded Tyre Choices for Enhanced Testing
Unlike the first test week, which limited teams to the hardest tyre compounds in Pirelli’s range, this session offers a full spectrum of options. Teams can select 24 sets from all five dry tyre compounds available. Teams are permitted to carry over sets used for no more than nine laps from the previous week’s testing.
Team Tyre Strategies Revealed
The C3 and C2 compounds are proving to be the most popular choices, selected by ten out of eleven teams. Mercedes is the sole exception, continuing with the three hardest compounds used previously. McLaren, Ferrari, Racing Bulls, Audi, and Haas have added the C4 compound to their testing program.
Red Bull, Alpine, Williams, and Aston Martin have opted for softer compounds. Racing Bulls is using C2, C3, and C4, although Alpine and Williams are likewise evaluating the C5. Aston Martin is the only team focusing exclusively on the softer end of the range (C3, C4, and C5). Cadillac, the newest team on the grid, is taking a comprehensive approach, requesting at least one set of each available dry compound.
Identifying Tyre Compounds During Testing
Testing sessions will run from 10:00 to 19:00 local time each day. Spectators and television viewers can easily identify the tyres used thanks to a dedicated color-coding system. C1 and C2 tyres will feature white logos, while C3 and C4 will have yellow logos. The softest compound, C5, will be distinguished by a red logo.
To further differentiate between compounds sharing the same color, the harder of the two will display a checkered flag pattern on the shoulder. C2 and C4 tyres will have no additional markings beyond the Pirelli and P Zero logos.
The Future of F1 Tyre Development
Pirelli is also planning to test its rain tires in Bahrain, utilizing an artificially wet track to simulate wet conditions in the desert environment. This unique approach highlights Pirelli’s commitment to developing tyres that perform reliably in all conditions for the 2026 F1 season.
FAQ
Q: What tyre compounds are the most popular among teams?
A: The C3 and C2 compounds are the most requested, being selected by ten of the eleven teams.
Q: How can viewers identify the different tyre compounds during the test?
A: Tyre compounds are identified by their logo color: white (C1 & C2), yellow (C3 & C4), and red (C5). The harder of any two compounds sharing a color will have a checkered flag pattern on the shoulder.
Q: Which team is testing the widest range of tyre compounds?
A: Cadillac is the only team requesting at least one set of each available dry compound.
Q: What time do the testing sessions run each day?
A: Sessions run from 10:00 to 19:00 local time.
Did you know? Pirelli is testing rain tires in the Bahrain desert using an artificially wetted track to prepare for all weather conditions in the 2026 season.
Stay tuned for further updates from the Bahrain test as teams continue to refine their setups and gather crucial data for the upcoming season.
