Red Bull test driver Sébastien Buemi has carried out the latest Pirelli running at Paul Ricard, as the company continues development on its 2018 slick tyres.
Under current Formula 1 regulations Pirelli, which will remain as sole supplier in the championship until at least 2019, is permitted 25 days of private running with current-year machinery in order to develop its tyres.
Unlike in 2016, when only Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari were present, supplying modified 2015 cars, all Formula 1 teams will be in action across the course of the year, with 2017-spec cars permitted.
As per 2016, the tests are carried out ‘blind’, with neither driver nor team aware of the compounds being trialled, with Pirelli in control of proceedings.
The data gathered at each test is shared between every Formula 1 team.
Buemi, driving the RB13, his first taste of 2017-spec machinery, completed 197 laps of Paul Ricard, which will host the returning French Grand Prix next year, across Thursday and Friday.
Buemi competed in Formula 1 for Toro Rosso between 2009 and 2011 and has remained affiliated with Red Bull as a test and simulator driver since losing his seat at the junior team.
Buemi races in Formula E with the Renault e.dams squad and in the World Endurance Championship with Toyota; a date clash means he is set to miss next month's Formula E round in New York, hindering his bid to secure back-to-back titles.
Pirelli’s next tyre test will take place after the British Grand Prix, with Williams and Haas to carry out running at Silverstone on July 18/19.
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