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Pirelli F1 tire test pushed back to COTA and Mexico
Pirelli’s planned tire test at the Japanese Grand Prix has been cancelled due to the inclement weather at Suzuka, meaning it will now take place at the U.S. and Mexican Grands Prix.
The original schedule for Pirelli to test 2023 tires was to run an extra 30 minutes at the end of FP1, with all 20 cars following run plans from the tire supplier. Suzuka and Austin were earmarked for those sessions, but persistent rain throughout Friday in Japan meant the test was cancelled, although the extra time was still allowed for normal practice running.
Pirelli will now push the tire test back to Mexico, with an extra 30 minutes of track time planned there instead, and the first full-grid test of the season at the end of Friday’s practice at Austin's Circuit of The Americas.
The schedule had always been planned with weather issues in mind, focusing on a run of three races prior to the final Sprint of the season in Brazil. Should no running be possible at either of the next two events, RACER understands the test will not be replaced as Pirelli has to define its final specifications for 2023 in time for the post-race test in Abu Dhabi.
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
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