Over 3000 kilometres at Suzuka aimed at 2025 tyre development
This was the second and final day of the Suzuka tyre test during which Pirelli's main focus was on the development of new dry weather compounds and constructions for next season, in a continuation of work begun over the winter, with the main aim of reducing overheating.
The test was run with Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team e Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber, who fielded their respective race drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Yuki Tsunoda, the latter taking over from Daniel Ricciardo who drove yesterday. Having a Japanese driver on track accounted for their being a crowd of a few hundred fans in the grandstands, proving just how popular Formula 1 is here.
Rain had affected the first few hours of yesterday's session, but track conditions were perfect today, with air temperature reaching 20 °C, with a track temperature of 37 °C.
Both drivers completed a lot of laps: today's Stakhanovite award went to Bottas (149 laps, the quickest in 1'33”983) and Tsunoda's work load was also impressive (115 laps, best time 1'34”337).
“First of all, I must thank Racing Bulls and Sauber and the three drivers, for the support they provided during this test,” commented Mario Isola, Director of Pirelli Motorsport. “Staying at the same track for a further two days in this early part of the season when Formula 1 is working flat out, is no small matter. As is always the case in this type of test, the drivers can be said to be working in the dark, in other words without knowing what type of prototype they are testing, alternating with the current tyres, so that their feedback is completely unbiased. With over 3000 kilometres covered at Suzuka, we have acquired a huge amount of data on the slicks, as well as some information relating to the intermediate tyres. Over the coming months, this year's test programme will continue to focus on finalising a construction that provides greater durability and on a complete renewal of the range of compounds, with the aim of reducing overheating. In addition, as from September, development will also start on the 2026 tyres.”
Valtteri Bottas (Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber): “Today has been a great day for track action – the sun shined throughout both sessions, and the laps we did amounted to almost three full race distances. It was another smooth day, the car felt very good, and we went through several compounds in order to gather important feedback for Pirelli, which will result in margins for improvement for the future. Overall, it's been two good, productive days from my side – it could be a lot worse than spending two extra days driving in Suzuka! Now, I'll be heading straight to the simulator back at base in Hinwil, as preparations for Shanghai are already underway.”
Yuki Tsunoda (Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team): "I love Suzuka and am always happy when I get to drive here – I never get bored of this circuit and it's amazing to see so many fans still around the track. The good weather meant both the morning and afternoon sessions went very smoothly on the slick tyres and I'm glad we were able to complete our full programme, providing Pirelli with lots of good data, so it was a successful day.”
Pirelli's next development test sessions take place on 28 and 29 May at Le Castellet (France) and on 14 and 15 June at Mugello (Italy).
