Pirelli testing with McLaren and Alpine in Jerez
Pirelli continues the development of its tire ranges for 2026, with slightly narrower tires and more durable compounds during battles, aiming to enhance the spectacle. The manufacturer has been in Jerez since Wednesday with McLaren and Alpine.
A bare Alpine, with visible raw carbon and a large pink BWT logo. No, it’s not the new livery of the French team but indeed the single-seater used for Pirelli testing in Jerez with the aim of designing the best tires for the 2026 season.
Pirelli is indeed testing once again. This time at Jerez, in the south of Spain, with two teams: McLaren, as last week, and Alpine. It is the third test session since the beginning of the season for the Italian manufacturer. Last week, they were in Barcelona, then they also went to Paul Ricard to test the wet tires.
With the now packed season of 24 races, it’s difficult for teams to take part in Pirelli’s tire development tests during the season.
Pirelli continued the development of the C2 to C4 compounds, which are the medium-hardness tires in the range that spans from C0, very hard, to C6, very soft.
Patricio O’Ward took the wheel for McLaren MCL60 this Wednesday while Pierre Gasly drove the Alpine A523. The cars in private testing must be at least 2 seasons old. With more than 150 laps each in the day, the times are not very representative but Pierre Gasly clocked in at 1:18.092 compared to 1:19.484 for the Mexican.
Mercedes will take over from McLaren this Thursday, with George Russell, while Jack Doohan will take over from Pierre Gasly at Alpine.
