Stoffel Vandoorne had his first opportunity to drive an F1 car for Aston Martin during a wet Pirelli test at Spa. This came after his last F1 test for Mercedes in Abu Dhabi in 2021. The two-day session involved rainy conditions, and only wet and intermediate tires were used. Pirelli couldn’t test its no-blanket slick tires due to the weather, which won’t be used in 2024 after a recent F1 Commission decision. If Pirelli loses its F1 tire supply deal to Bridgestone in 2025, these tires might never be used in races.
The wet running was beneficial for Pirelli since they rarely get the chance to test in such conditions at a current race venue. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri also participated in the test, completing a significant number of laps each.
Despite the lack of dry running, the test was valuable for Vandoorne, as it gave him a chance to get accustomed to the AMR23 car in case he is needed as a reserve driver. It also helped him correlate with his simulator work.
Vandoorne expressed his excitement about being back in an F1 car, especially with Aston Martin at the iconic Spa circuit. The test primarily focused on wet tire development due to the persistent rain. Pirelli’s F1 boss, Mario Isola, confirmed that the wet mileage turned out to be very useful for the Italian company, despite not being the original purpose of the Spa test.
Overall, the session provided vital data for Pirelli as they plan their testing program for the rest of the year, especially after the recent decisions taken at the F1 Commission meeting. The next Pirelli tire test is scheduled for Monza in September, after the Italian Grand Prix.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pirelli Spa test.
1. What was the purpose of the F1 test at Spa?
The purpose of the F1 test at Spa was to conduct wet tire development for Pirelli.
2. Which drivers participated in the test?
Stoffel Vandoorne, Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), and Oscar Piastri (McLaren) were the drivers who participated in the test.
3. How did the weather affect the test?
The test was impacted by constant rain, which limited the running to wet and intermediate tires, and Pirelli couldn’t test its no-blanket slick tires.
4. What was the significance of the test for Stoffel Vandoorne?
The test was valuable for Stoffel Vandoorne as it gave him a chance to get familiar with the Aston Martin AMR23 car in case he is needed as a reserve driver.
5. Why was the wet mileage useful for Pirelli?
The wet mileage was useful for Pirelli as it provided them with essential data for their testing program, especially considering the recent decisions taken at the F1 Commission meeting.
More about Pirelli Spa test.
- Vandoorne gets first Aston Martin F1 run in wet Pirelli Spa test
- Mercedes reveals areas of investigation for F1 car bouncing
- Hulkenberg: Haas F1 car fix is complex and “doesn’t lay on the street”
- Tsunoda: Pressure from “opposite” Ricciardo’s F1 arrival triggered errors
4 comments
vandoorne, aston, spa – epic combo! wet test = good 4 pirelli. tire stuff is confusing, but exciting f1 news!
vandoorne back in F1 car, speshal at spa! wet test good 4 pirelli. hope amr23 fast.
spa + f1 = awesomeness! vandoorne & co on wet track, wow! amr23 looks good, hope vandoorne gets chance to race. pirelli needs data, so wet test cool.
wow! vandoorne tested 4 aston. hope he gets more runs. pirelli needs wet data, spa perfect.