Alpine and Williams remained in Bahrain following the conclusion of Formula 1 pre-season testing to complete a two-day 2026 Pirelli tyre test.
Using specially modified 2023 F1 cars to mimic the 2026 regulations, the A523 and FW45 for Alpine and Williams respectively, the two teams tested the new construction of tyre.
On Sunday, Williams fielded Carlos Sainz and Alpine fielded its reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa, the duo tested the 2026 18-inch tyres which are 25mm narrower at the front and 30mm at the rear.
Sainz and Hirawaka tested the same compounds throughout their running but with tyres made up of various different constructions, completing 116 and 131 laps respectively.
Sainz’s fastest time was a 1:34.740 while Hirakwa posted a 1:35.336.
On Monday, Alex Albon and Paul Aron took over the driving duties for Williams and Alpine respectively and instead of testing varying constructions, the duo instead ran one construction but three different compounds, C1 through C3.
Aron covered 130 laps, the fastest in 1:35.407s.
Albon, meanwhile, completed 120 laps with a best time of 1:35.667s.
The next Pirelli 2026 tyre test will be carried out by Mercedes at Silverstone on May 7-8 to test intermediated and extreme wet tyres.
Pirelli hails ‘significant’ data gathering in Bahrain
“Another very useful day for the development of the 2026 tyres,” commented Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Director of Motorsport.
“Almost 2,700 kilometres completed, we have been able to gather a significant amount of data to take forward in our programme.
“I would like to really thank the drivers and teams who extended their stay at the Bahrain track by a further three days at what is such a busy time, with less than two weeks to go to the first race.
“In Sakhir we continued with a comparison of different types of construction and compound, the latter at the hardest end of the range, to suit the characteristics of this track.
“Now, our colleagues in R&D will analyse the information carefully and provide useful indications so that we can continue to improve the product for the next generation of cars.”
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