Vettel to Drive Ferrari in Paul Ricard Wet Tyre Test Next Week
Sebastian Vettel will join Ferrari for a Pirelli-organised wet tyre test at Paul Ricard next week, sharing duties with teammate Kimi Raikkonen.
Sebastian Vettel is set to take part in a Pirelli-organised wet tyre test for Ferrari at the Paul Ricard circuit next week. This test marks another step in his intensive pre-season preparations ahead of the 2016 Formula One campaign. Vettel will share the testing duties with his Ferrari teammate Kimi Raikkonen, with both drivers running the 2015-specification SF15-T under the supervision of the tyre supplier and the FIA.
Vettel to Join Ferrari Wet Tyre Test at Paul Ricard
Details of the Paul Ricard Tyre Test
The wet tyre test at Paul Ricard is part of Pirelli’s ongoing efforts to develop improved wet weather tyres for the upcoming season. The session will feature three teams: Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren, each providing a 2015 car and race drivers. Paul Ricard is chosen for its advanced facilities, including the ability to simulate varying levels of water on the track, making it an ideal venue for wet weather tyre development.
According to the regulations, teams are permitted to use previous-generation cars for tyre testing, provided they comply with technical standards from 2012 to 2014. For this test, the 2015-specification cars will be used under specific conditions set by the FIA and Pirelli. The involvement of top teams and their race drivers ensures that Pirelli receives high-quality feedback to inform the final specification of wet tyres for the 2016 season.
Recent Ferrari Testing Activity
This Paul Ricard test follows closely after Vettel’s recent outing at Fiorano, where he drove a 2014 Ferrari. That session was initially described as a filming day, but it was later clarified to be a permitted test under article 10.2 of the sporting regulations. This article allows running of cars built to 2012, 2013 or 2014 technical standards for certain testing purposes. According to reports, Ferrari used the Fiorano opportunity to correlate wind tunnel data with on-track results, with the FIA’s prior approval.
Importance of Wet Tyre Development
Pirelli’s wet weather tyres have faced criticism in recent seasons for inconsistent performance. The upcoming test at Paul Ricard is therefore a significant opportunity for the tyre supplier to address these concerns. The session will focus on collecting data in a range of wet conditions, helping Pirelli refine its products before the start of the 2016 season. The participating teams will provide feedback on grip, durability and performance, which will be crucial for finalising the tyres that will be used in official races.
For Ferrari, the test is also valuable for maintaining driver sharpness and gathering additional data ahead of the official pre-season tests. Both Vettel and Raikkonen will gain further experience with car set-up and tyre behaviour in wet conditions, which could prove advantageous when the season gets underway.
Teams and Drivers Involved
| Team | Car | Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Ferrari | 2015 SF15-T | Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen |
| Red Bull | 2015 RB11 | To be confirmed |
| McLaren | 2015 MP4-30 | To be confirmed |
While Ferrari has confirmed both Vettel and Raikkonen for the test, Red Bull and McLaren have yet to announce their participating drivers. The session is expected to run over several days, with each team focusing on providing Pirelli with data rather than chasing outright lap times. The collaborative nature of the test highlights the importance of tyre development for all teams on the grid.
Looking Ahead to the 2016 Season
Official pre-season testing for the 2016 Formula One season is not scheduled to begin until late February. In the meantime, sessions like the Paul Ricard wet tyre test offer teams and drivers valuable opportunities to stay sharp and gather information that could be useful once the championship gets underway. For Ferrari, every chance to run on track is seen as a step towards closing the gap to rivals and improving their prospects for the upcoming season.
The outcome of the Paul Ricard test will play a role in shaping the wet weather tyres used throughout the 2016 campaign. The data collected will influence Pirelli’s final product, which all teams will rely on during rain-affected races. As the teams prepare for the official test sessions and the season opener, the focus remains on fine-tuning every aspect of performance, including tyres, to maximise competitiveness.
