Pirelli F1 Testing: Bahrain Desert Run with New Cars
Formula 1 teams are preparing for a second pre-season testing session at the Bahrain International Circuit, scheduled to run from Wednesday, February 18th, to Friday, February 20th. This final on-track evaluation precedes the official start of the 2026 championship.
The Bahrain test differs significantly from the initial session held February 11th-13th. Although the first test restricted teams to the three hardest Pirelli tyre compounds (C1, C2, and C3), the upcoming session will provide access to the full range of five dry-weather options – C1 through C5. Teams were permitted to select 24 sets of tyres for this second test, and are also allowed to carry over any tyres used for nine laps or fewer from the previous week’s running.
Analysis of team selections reveals varied strategies. Ten of the eleven teams opted for the C2 and C3 compounds, while Mercedes has chosen to focus exclusively on the hardest available compounds. McLaren, Ferrari, Racing Bulls, Audi, and Haas have broadened their selections to include the C4 tyre. Red Bull, Alpine, Williams, and Aston Martin are prioritizing softer specifications. Visa Cash App RB is testing with the C2, C3, and C4 compounds, while Alpine and Williams have also incorporated the softest C5 compound. Aston Martin has uniquely selected only the C3, C4, and C5 compounds.
The expanded tyre availability is intended to provide teams with a comprehensive understanding of Pirelli’s 2026 tyre range under race-representative conditions. The first session focused on baseline data acquisition with limited compound variation. This second session allows for more nuanced performance assessments and correlation with simulations.
Pirelli provides clear identification markings for each compound. The C1 is designated with white writing and classic sidewall bands, the C2 with white writing but no sidewall bands, and the C3 with yellow bands and writing. The softer C4 features yellow writing, while the C5, the softest compound, is identified by red writing and sidewall brackets. Intermediate tyres are marked with green bands and writing, and full wet tyres with blue.
The Bahrain tests represent the last opportunity for teams to refine their car setups and gather crucial data before the season opener. The data collected will inform final aerodynamic adjustments, suspension tuning, and engine mapping strategies. Teams will be analyzing tyre performance across a range of track temperatures and conditions, simulating various race scenarios.