xpb Pirelli tire test
14.11.2010
Bridgestone says goodbye at the GP Abu Dhabi. After 242 races, 174 wins and 167 pole positions, the Japanese say goodbye to Formula 1. The successor is already in the starting blocks: The new Pirelli tires will be screwed onto the current cars for the first time on the weekend after the season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit.
A However, the mixtures do not yet exactly match the product that will be delivered to the teams in the coming year. Rather, Pirelli wants to collect feedback from the drivers on the two test days in order to further develop the tire. Since the meaningfulness of the new rubbers is limited, some regular pilots do without their first experience with Pirelli. We'll tell you who's on duty.
Red Bull:
At Red Bull, Mark Webber can go on winter vacation earlier. Sebastian Vettel will be on duty on both days. It will be a stressful week for the Heppenheimer. On the Tuesday after the race, the Red Bull team will hold a major press conference in Salzburg. Then Vettel has to travel back to Abu Dhabi.
McLaren-Mercedes:
McLaren completely renounces the use of the two regular drivers. While Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button are recovering from the rigors of the exhausting season, test driver Gary Paffett and youngster Oliver Turvey have to share the tire work.
Ferrari:
No surprise at Ferrari. Both Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa will each drive one day in the Pirelli test.
Mercedes GP:
At Mercedes GP, neither of the two regular drivers want to take part in the test with the Pirelli Do without rubbers. Nico Rosberg will drive on Friday, Michael Schumacher will be on Saturday. The record world champion in particular is eager to swap tires. Schumi repeatedly cited Bridgestone tires as one of the main reasons why things didn't go as planned this year.
Renault F1:
Renault is sending Vitaly Petrov on vacation early. Robert Kubica will work an extra shift and be in the car both Saturday and Sunday.
Williams F1:
According to the Williams press department, a final decision has not yet been made in Abu Dhabi Pirelli test allowed to drive. Nico Hülkenberg knew, however: 'Rubens (Barrichello) and I are each on the schedule for one day.'
Force India:
At Force India, three pilots have to share the two-day test. The twoRegular drivers Adrian Sutil and Tonio Liuzzi each work for half a day. Test and reserve driver Paul di Resta will contest the second day.
Sauber F1:
Sauber has also drawn up a somewhat more complicated plan. Kamui Kobayashi is allowed to sit in the car for a day and a half. Half a day is reserved for newcomer Sergio Perez.
Toro Rosso:
No surprise at Toro Rosso: The two young drivers Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari still have a few extra kilometers of experience to give with the new tires, both can drive one day each.
Lotus Racing:
At Lotus, too, the regular drivers Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen should share the test weekend fraternally.
Virgin Racing:
At Virgin, testing is based entirely on Timo Glock's experience. The Odenwälder will be in action on both days.
HRT F1:
Money rules at Hispania. Thanks to financially strong sponsor support, GP2 champion Pastor Maldonado is allowed to drive the Spanish racer with Pirelli tires.
