The first part of 2025 is proving to be a busy period for Pirelli, as it continues its preparations for 2026 with test sessions dedicated to developing the tires that will debut alongside the cars built under the new technical regulations.
Naturally, the tire manufacturer must also be ready for this new challenge, which is why 40 days of testing have been allocated throughout the year.
Following tests at Paul Ricard and Barcelona, the session in Jerez on Wednesday marked the third test of early 2025. Both Alpine and McLaren took to the track, with McLaren also participating in the previous two sessions, contributing with a modified version of the MCL60.
After wet-weather tests in France, this session in Spain—like the one last week in Catalonia—focused on developing dry-weather solutions for 2026. Specifically, Pirelli tested different combinations of tire constructions and compounds, selecting compounds from C2 to C4, which are considered intermediate and versatile within the range, as they are frequently used throughout the season.
The development work is progressing along two different paths. On one hand, the focus is on understanding tire construction, while on the other, compound development continues, although the final homologation of compounds happens later in the year, allowing Pirelli more time for refinement during the season.
Yesterday, Patricio O’Ward drove the MCL60, while Pierre Gasly was behind the wheel of the Alpine A523, which featured an all-black carbon livery (as seen in previous tests). Both cars are mule versions derived from the 2023 Formula 1 season. The Mexican McLaren driver completed 153 laps, while the French Alpine driver logged 157.
As seen with other teams since the first tests in September 2024, setups are run with lower downforce levels than usual, and extensive use of DRS is made to mimic the characteristics of the next-generation cars. Since it is not possible to directly replicate those conditions, alternative methods have been employed to approximate the expected levels of downforce and drag.
Testing at the Ángel Nieto Circuit will continue tomorrow with a partial driver lineup change. As scheduled, McLaren will be replaced by Mercedes, with George Russell taking the wheel, while Alpine will see Jack Doohan step in for Pierre Gasly.
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