Schumacher Struggles - Russell Shines in Pirelli Rain Test

Heavy Rain Hampers Pirelli F1 Tire Tests at Magny-Cours

03/10/2024

Pirelli’s F1 tire tests at Magny-Cours saw mixed results, with heavy rain disrupting progress but productive moments salvaged under cooler, rainy conditions on the second day.

Pirelli F1 had scheduled wet tire tests at Magny-Cours on Tuesday and Wednesday, at the French circuit.

And the weather was… rainy! Good news? Unfortunately, no. It rained too heavily for the tests to be conducted in proper conditions.

The circuit, which hosted the French Grand Prix 18 times from 1992 to 2008, welcomed Mercedes F1 and the Pirelli test team for two days to continue developing next year’s wet and intermediate tires.

Reserve driver Mick Schumacher was behind the wheel of the W15 on Tuesday, but meaningful work was nearly impossible, with the German driver completing only 29 laps, his best time being 1’39”72.

Testing resumed yesterday, still with Mercedes, where driving duties fell to George Russell.

Once again, the weather played a role yesterday, this time with occasional showers and rather cool conditions. The development of extreme wet and intermediate tires was able to proceed, starting with the work that couldn’t be done the previous day.

By the end of the day, the British driver had completed 86 laps, covering 379.7 kilometers, with a best time of 1’28”428.

Pirelli’s development tests will resume next week, on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th October at the Mugello circuit. Three teams will be present: Red Bull Racing and Ferrari will work on next season’s tires, while McLaren will support the tire supplier in developing tires for 2026.

Schumacher Struggles - Russell Shines in Pirelli Rain Test

Schumacher Struggles, Russell Shines in Pirelli Rain Test Schumacher Struggles, Russell Shines in Pirelli Rain Test

F1 Standings 2025
F1 Standings 2025
#
Driver
Points
1
Driver Flag
Max Verstappen
Red Bull
0
2
Driver Flag
Lando Norris
McLaren
0
3
Driver Flag
Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
0
4
Driver Flag
Oscar Piastri
McLaren
0
5
Driver Flag
Carlos Sainz
Williams
0
6
Driver Flag
George Russell
Mercedes
0
#
Team
Points
1
McLaren
Norris & Piastri
0
2
Ferrari
Leclerc & Hamilton
0
3
Red Bull
Verstappen & Lawson
0
4
Mercedes
Russell & Antonelli
0
5
Aston Martin
Alonso & Stroll
0
6
Alpine
Gasly & Doohan
0
F1 Calendar 2025
F1 CALENDAR 2025
Race Date
Australia Flag
Australian
Albert Park
16 Mar
China Flag
Chinese
Shanghai International
23 Mar
Japan Flag
Japanese
Suzuka Circuit
6 Apr
Bahrain Flag
Bahrain
Bahrain International
13 Apr
Saudi Arabia Flag
Saudi Arabian
Jeddah Street
20 Apr
FULL CALENDAR
Race Center

Race Center

Australian flag
Australian GP
13 Mar - 16 Mar
Your time Local time
FP1 13 MAR 15:30
FP2 13 MAR 19:00
FP3 14 MAR 15:30
QU 14 MAR 19:00
RACE 15 MAR 18:00
Go toTop