Pirelli have confirmed that a two-day wet tyre test will take place in France later this month.
The test will be held at Paul Ricard circuit on 25 and 26 January, which will focus on full wet weather tyres tested on the run by the Scuderia Ferrari, Red Bull Racing and McLaren-Honda teams; no intermediates will be used during the two days.
This run will provide the Italian tyre manufacturer the opportunity to gain valuable information on its wet tyres, particularly the full-wet compound. Prototypes of wet tyres will also be tested during the run but the main focus will be on the full-wets.
Pirelli have been trying to organise a wet test for some time now so they can further develop their rain tyres. In the F1’s sporting regulations it is stipulated that one day of pre-season testing should be devoted to wet weather.
The FIA will monitor the test so teams taking part gain no advantage over their absent rivals. Pirelli have said that the cars need to be 2015 specification with ‘no test parts allowed, no car/set-up testing is possible.’
2015 GP2 Series champion Stoffel Vandoorne has been confirmed to drive both days for McLaren, with Ferrari and Red Bull yet to confirm their line-up for the test. Pirelli have said more information regarding details of the test programme will be available in the coming days.
