Leclerc kicks off 2021 tyre testing as Pirelli releases schedule

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc kicked off full testing of Pirelli’s 18-inch tyres at Jerez on Saturday, as the company released details of its 2020 programme.

Formula 1 will switch from using 13-inch to 18-inch rims as part of an overhaul of the regulations for 2021, and Pirelli began tentative testing in the latter stages of 2019.

Under current regulations Pirelli is permitted 25 days of private running and all of its allocation this year will go towards developmental work of the 18-inch tyres.

Teams will supply modified 2019-spec mule cars.

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Leclerc completed 130 laps of the former Spanish Grand Prix host venue in fine conditions on Saturday.

Ferrari will continue test duties on March 5 at Fiorano, with that day having been allocated for wet weather running

All teams will then be in action across the coming months in Bahrain, Spain, Austria, Britain and Japan.

Pirelli will then bring its finalised product for the open three-day test that is scheduled for the week after the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

• 5 March | Fiorano | Ferrari (wet)
• 24 March | Bahrain | Renault
• 25 March | Bahrain | Mercedes
• 12 May | Barcelona | Red Bull, Alfa Romeo, Renault
• 13 May | Barcelona | Red Bull, Alfa Romeo
• 26/27 May | Paul Ricard | Red Bull (wet)
• 7/8 July | Spielberg | Alpha Tauri
• 21 July | Silverstone | Racing Point/Williams/McLaren
• 22 July | Silverstone | Racing Point/Williams
• 8 September | Paul Ricard | McLaren
• 9 September | Paul Ricard | Mercedes/Ferrari
• 10/11 September | Paul Ricard | Mercedes (wet)
• 13/14 October | Suzuka | Haas