– For the first time in almost six years, Formula 1 is returning to the Nürburgring: the premier class was last there during the 2020 corona pandemic, and now the surprising return is taking place – however, not as part of a Grand Prix, but for test drives with tire manufacturer Pirelli.
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Even if no race weekend in the classic sense is scheduled, the date still has a certain significance for Germany as a location: the premier class is using the Nürburgring for an official tire test, bringing current Formula 1 cars back to a German race track for the first time in almost six years.
When will the Formula 1 test at the Nürburgring take place?
On April 14 and 15, Mercedes and McLaren will make up for a tire test that was originally supposed to take place at the Bahrain International Circuit in February of this year, but was canceled at short notice as a result of the military conflicts between Israel, the United States of America, and Iran.
The employees of Pirelli, McLaren, and Mercedes who were already on site were brought to safety at the time as a precaution. Because the situation has hardly eased since then, the two planned Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have now also been canceled.
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Nevertheless, German Formula 1 fans should not get their hopes up for a Grand Prix in Germany: there will be no makeup date or replacement at the Nürburgring for the two canceled races. The Pirelli tire test remains the exception.
Why are only Mercedes and McLaren participating?
Even in the originally planned tire test in Bahrain, only Mercedes and McLaren would have participated, because not all teams are involved in every tire test. The sessions are determined by Pirelli in coordination with the FIA and Formula 1.
However, this does not create a disadvantage for the competition: Red Bull and Racing Bulls stayed in Suzuka after the Japanese Grand Prix to test the new Pirelli tires there. Ferrari, in turn, was able to complete a two-day test with the new Pirelli rain tires at its own race track in Fiorano.
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Which drivers are participating in the Formula 1 test?
The test drives are normally carried out by the reserve or test drivers of the respective teams. For the originally planned test in Bahrain, Mercedes test driver Frederik Vesti, among others, was nominated. However, as a result of the long racing break, the teams have changed their plans.
In the Formula 1 test at the Nürburgring, all four regular drivers are expected to be used: for Mercedes, championship leader Kimi Antonelli and teammate George Russell will take the wheel, while world champion Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will sit in the McLaren MCL40.
Because the next race does not take place until the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, the upcoming tire test offers the regular drivers another opportunity to collect additional kilometers and further familiarize themselves with the current cars.
Which tires will be tested at the Nürburgring?
Pirelli is using the tire test to test the new compounds for the coming year. The new Formula 1 regulations have also brought a few unexpected hurdles for the Italian tire manufacturer. In the first races of the current season, Pirelli was too conservative, which led to heavy criticism.
All previous races have been classic one-stop races, so Pirelli has to improve both the tire choice and the rubber compounds. In addition, there are to be new rain tires in the future, which are currently being tested.
Is the Formula 1 test at the Nürburgring accessible to fans?
The Formula 1 test at the Nürburgring takes place behind closed doors and to the exclusion of the public. Spectators are therefore not allowed at the track.
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