Pirelli are currently completing yet another private tyre test to ensure their Formula One tyres will meet the demands of a current F1 car.
The test, scheduled to end late Monday, is an unusual one, conducted on a wet track at night-time, in one of the more unlikely of locations – Abu Dhabi.
The 5.5km track has been artificially soaked throughout the day and night to ensure Pirelli can simulate the effects of a wet race.
Pirelli’s Paul Hembery, director of Formula One at the Italian company, explained the reasons behind the location and the need to test on a wet track.
“This is a unique opportunity to witness an F1 test car on track at night in the wet and on hot tarmac, in an entirely floodlit setting,” he said.
“We decided to do it this way because we want to challenge our rain tyres with the most difficult and demanding of all situations. And who knows, perhaps it could be a good idea for a future grand prix?”
Pirelli test driver Pedro de la Rosa is behind the wheel of the Toyota TF109, starting at 6pm, he will continue through to midnight to ensure a variety of environments are simulated.
Check out more images from the test in our gallery.
Discussion about this post