MOTORSPORT – Formula One tyre suppliers Pirelli are planning to hold a first-of-its-kind ‘wet test’ in Bahrain at the end of the month.
This was revealed by Pirelli’s motorsport chief Mario Isola, it has been reported.
“We are trying to organise a wet (test) here in Bahrain,” Isola was quoted as saying by motorsport.com.
“I am very confident because the track has an idea on how to wet the full circuit, not with the tanks but with another (sprinkler) system. And if they do that properly, we have an opportunity to test on a high-severity circuit in wet conditions.
“This is something that doesn’t happen very often. So we have this opportunity, we want to use it in the best possible way.”
Isola praised Bahrain’s motorsport officials for supporting the plans for the ‘wet test’ despite the challenges faced at a motorsport facility that is more popularly known for its predominantly dry conditions.
“The people of Bahrain are always very co-operative when we ask for strange requests,” Isola said. “I called them and said: ‘What if we plan a wet test in Bahrain?’ ‘Yes, of course you can – let us think about it.’”
“(It’s not easy, because) we need consistency in the water level, because clearly the risk is that the inconsistency in water level is more important than the difference in prototypes.”
It has also been reported that McLaren and Mercedes will be providing two mule cars – older versions of F1 contenders – for the testing.
Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), which is known to be demanding on tyres, is a favourite venue for on-track testing.
Aside from the ongoing F1 Aramco Pre-Season Testing 2026 and the planned ‘wet test’, BIC is also scheduled to stage joint in-season testing for the FIA Formula 2 Championship and FIA Formula 3 Championship – F1’s two chief feeder series – from March 25 to 27.
The tests will be held prior to the second rounds of their respective seasons, which will take place as part of the support programme of the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 from April 10 to 12.
&uuid=(email))