Pirelli back on track at Le Castellet

Le Castellet, 28 May – Fourth development test session of the 2024 season for Pirelli. After those held in Barcelona, Jerez de la Frontera and Suzuka, this week Formula 1's Global Tyre Partner is at France's Le Castellet circuit for two days of testing carried out with assistance from Scuderia Ferrari HP, who are fielding the two drivers who made it to the podium on Sunday in the Monaco Grand Prix.

Today, it was Carlos Sainz who got behind the wheel of the SF-24, tasked with carrying out comparison tests of different compounds and constructions for 2025. Given the nature of the circuit, with the 5.842 kilometre layout being used the most, it being the one from the last two French Grands Prix held in 2018 and 2022, the compounds under evaluation were mainly from the softer end of the range, considering that the main aim of the test was to look at reducing overheating.

By the end of the day, Sainz had completed 138 laps (17 on the short track layout) thus covering a distance of 768 kilometres. Work at Le Castellet continues tomorrow when Charles Leclerc will be on track, fresh from his win at his home race. The Monegasque will work mainly on the development of new solutions for wet weather and intermediate tyres on an artificially watered track, making use of Paul Ricard's irrigation system.