Aston Martin conduct key 2026 F1 test

Aston Martin successfully completed the first day of a two-day Pirelli tyre test in Barcelona on Tuesday, with the second day being conducted today. 

At the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya – the home of the Spanish Grand Prix – Aston Martin has been testing a prototype of Pirelli’s new smaller tyres for 2026. 

2026 will see the introduction of not only the new power unit regulations, but also noticeably different rubber. 

Pirelli’s new front tyres will be 25mm narrower and 10 to 15mm lower in height, whilst the rear tyres will be 30mm narrower and the same height as the new front wheels. The 18-inch rims will remain the same.

The tyres have been made fractionally smaller in a bid to save weight, with Aston Martin having tested them using a modified-version of its 2022 car. 

A modified AMR22 has been used to ensure the data gathered is as accurate as possible to what will be seen when the new regulations are introduced.

Aston Martin test and reserve driver Felipe Drugovich completed 670 kilometres of running on Tuesday, equivalent to well over two full race distances. Further testing will be conducted today.