P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Pirelli will conduct a wet 2026 F1 tyre test in an unusual location.
Pirelli has decided to hold a wet tyre test in Bahrain for the first time at the end of February, a surprising choice given the country’s hot and dry climate.
The decision was made to address criticisms from F1 drivers regarding the wet tyres in recent years, with Pirelli seeking to improve their performance.
Although venues like Fiorano and Paul Ricard have their own sprinkler systems, Bahrain’s abrasive track offers the high-degradation conditions Pirelli needs for testing.
Mario Isola, Pirelli’s motorsport chief, expressed confidence in Bahrain’s ability to conduct the wet test effectively.
The goal is to stress-test Pirelli’s rubber on a high-severity circuit in wet conditions, aiming to reduce the crossover time between the wet and intermediate tyres for better usability.
Improving the full wet tyre’s performance is crucial for ensuring smoother transitions during races and minimizing pitstops.
