European Investor
16 Feb 2026, 19:06
Pirelli Brings Full Tyre Range to Second Bahrain F1 Test
Pirelli will make its complete dry-weather tyre range available for the second pre-season Formula 1 test at the FIA Formula 1 World Championship circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain, from February 18–20, 2026.
Unlike the first session, where only the three hardest compounds were supplied, teams can now select from all five compounds (C1–C5). Each team may use 24 sets, including tyres previously run for no more than nine laps.
The most popular choices are C3 and C2, selected by ten of the eleven teams. Mercedes opted exclusively for the three hardest compounds. McLaren, Ferrari, Racing Bulls, Audi and Haas added C4, while Red Bull, Alpine, Williams and Aston Martin chose softer allocations. Aston Martin selected only the three softest compounds (C3–C5). New entrant Cadillac is the only team to request at least one set of every dry compound.
Track sessions will run daily from 10:00 to 19:00. For testing identification, C1 and C2 feature white logos, C3 and C4 yellow, and C5 red. The harder tyre within each colour pair carries a chequered sidewall pattern, meaning only C2 and C4 appear without it.
The second Bahrain test marks the final preparation phase before the 2026 Formula 1 season officially begins.
Pirelli will make its complete dry-weather tyre range available for the second pre-season Formula 1 test at the FIA Formula 1 World Championship circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain, from February 18–20, 2026.
Unlike the first session, where only the three hardest compounds were supplied, teams can now select from all five compounds (C1–C5). Each team may use 24 sets, including tyres previously run for no more than nine laps.
The most popular choices are C3 and C2, selected by ten of the eleven teams. Mercedes opted exclusively for the three hardest compounds. McLaren, Ferrari, Racing Bulls, Audi and Haas added C4, while Red Bull, Alpine, Williams and Aston Martin chose softer allocations. Aston Martin selected only the three softest compounds (C3–C5). New entrant Cadillac is the only team to request at least one set of every dry compound.
Track sessions will run daily from 10:00 to 19:00. For testing identification, C1 and C2 feature white logos, C3 and C4 yellow, and C5 red. The harder tyre within each colour pair carries a chequered sidewall pattern, meaning only C2 and C4 appear without it.
The second Bahrain test marks the final preparation phase before the 2026 Formula 1 season officially begins.