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F1: Kimi Antonelli edges Lando Norris as Mercedes top Pirelli tyre test times

The test, which involved regular race drivers from both squads, saw Pirelli control the running programmes entirely.

The test, which involved regular race drivers from both squads, saw Pirelli control the running programmes entirely.

Jamie Moore's Diary - jockey talks Goshen and Ascot rides

Teams were not informed of the exact tyre specifications they were evaluating, with drivers instead providing detailed feedback on performance and behaviour across different compounds.

On the opening day, Oscar Piastri and George Russell took to the track before handing over duties to Lando Norris and Kimi Antonelli for the second day of running.

The focus was on dry-weather development, with both Norris and Antonelli initially running on the C3 compound before progressing through softer tyre constructions. Antonelli used the C4 specification in his later runs, while Norris completed his soft-tyre work on the C5 compound.

Across the day, Norris completed 108 laps, covering around 556 kilometres, while Antonelli went one lap further with 109 laps and approximately 561 kilometres.

In terms of performance, Antonelli set the quickest lap of the day with a 1:32.990, narrowly beating Norris, whose best effort stood at 1:33.640.

While lap times are not officially competitive in a test environment, the data provides Pirelli with valuable insight into how the different constructions perform under modern F1 loads and driving styles.

Pirelli’s development programme will continue in the coming months, with wet-weather tyre testing scheduled at Magny-Cours in May, followed by another dry-tyre evaluation planned after the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.

The test marks another step in Pirelli’s long-term preparation for the 2027 tyre regulations, as Formula 1 continues to refine its technical direction for the next generation of machinery.

Jamie Moore's Diary - jockey talks Goshen and Ascot rides
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