Rain, no slicks, Vandoorne’s return: “very useful” tests for Pirelli in Spa
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Pirelli, the exclusive supplier of Formula 1 until 2024, conducted tire tests at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. However, these tests, involving the McLaren and Aston Martin teams, did not go exactly as planned due to bad weather.
Due to the bad weather, Pirelli was unable to use its slick tires without heated covers, even though that was the purpose of these two days of testing scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
These tyres will not be used in 2024 without heating covers following a recent decision by the F1 Commission, and they may never be used if Pirelli loses the exclusive Formula 1 supply contract to Bridgestone in 2025.
Tests on slicks that go wrong and a comeback
In fact, wet track testing has been more useful for Pirelli, who rarely have the opportunity to test in such conditions at a current race venue. On Tuesday, Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) completed 70 laps and set a best time of 1m57.697s, while Oscar Piastri recorded a best time of 2m00.682s in 47 laps behind the wheel of his McLaren.
Putting it to the test. 💪@svandoorne completed his first day behind the wheel of the #AMR23 for the @Pirellisport F1 Tyre Test.
Stay tuned to hear his thoughts! pic.twitter.com/zaXicXcI2P
— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) August 2, 2023
Wednesday marked the return to an F1 cockpit for Stoffel Vandoorne. The Belgian, who has been a test driver for Aston Martin since the start of the season, was alongside Lance Stroll for these tests, which took place at home.
« It was great to be back in an F1 today behind the wheel of the AMR23. It had been a while, and it was also the first time I was driving in green with Aston Martin. It was also very special to do it at Spa, for obvious reasons, despite the rainy weather, “said the native of Courtrai.
With heavier rain in the first part of the day, the Silverstone team once again dominated the mileage and times, with Vandoorne completing 53 laps with a best effort of 1m57.631s, and Lando Norris recording a 2m00.628s during his 40 laps for McLaren.
Some very useful tests « despite the difficulties » for Pirelli.
Despite the lack of dry running for Vandoorne, the test was a valuable opportunity for the 2022 Formula E champion to get acquainted with the AMR23 in case he needs to step in as a reserve. « The car felt good, even in these wet conditions, and I enjoyed every lap. »
On the Italian tyre manufacturer’s side, F1 manager Mario Isola confirmed that the mileage on wet surfaces, although not the initial goal, has been very useful.
« Just like the Belgium GP weekend, there was no respite from the rain during these two days of testing at Spa. » We had to limit ourselves to development work on the intermediate and wet extreme tires, on asphalt that changed a lot depending on the amount of water », explained Isola.
