Leclerc conducts Pirelli’s first F1 tyre test of 2020

Charles Leclerc has tested Pirelli’s 18-inch tyre compounds that will be used during the 2021 Formula 1 season for the first time.

In Pirelli’s first test outing of 2020, Leclerc got behind the wheel of a mule Ferrari at Spain’s Jerez circuit to try out the new 18-inch tyres that will debut in F1 in 2021.

Leclerc conducts Pirelli’s first F1 tyre test of 2020

Charles Leclerc has tested Pirelli’s 18-inch tyre compounds that will be used during the 2021 Formula 1 season for the first time.

In Pirelli’s first test outing of 2020, Leclerc got behind the wheel of a mule Ferrari at Spain’s Jerez circuit to try out the new 18-inch tyres that will debut in F1 in 2021.

Leclerc completed a total of 130 laps of the Circuito de Jerez in Ferrari’s modified 2019 car, built to meet Pirelli’s specifications for the 18-inch tyres.

F1 will switch from its current 13-inch tyres to 18-inch compounds in 2021, in conjunction with an overhaul to the championship’s sporting, technical and financial regulations.

Formula 2, F1’s direct feeder series, will run 18-inch tyres for the first time during the forthcoming 2020 season prior to F1 introducing them.

Ferrari is the latest team to take part in testing for the Italian tyre manufacturer, with Mercedes, McLaren and Racing Point the first teams to carry out shakedowns on Pirelli’s new rubber towards the end of 2019.

Ferrari is set to unveil its 2020 F1 car on February 11 at its Maranello headquarters, ahead of the start of pre-season testing, which begins at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya on February 19.

Pirelli has revealed its full testing programme for 2020, which can be seen below.

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