Safety Fears Force Pirelli to Scrap Planned Bahrain Tyre Testing Programme
Pirelli has pulled the plug on a scheduled two-day tyre evaluation session in Bahrain as geopolitical tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran continue to escalate. The Italian manufacturer's decision prioritises the safety of personnel and operations amid the volatile international climate.
The Bahrain tyre test that Pirelli had scheduled has been scrapped due to mounting safety concerns stemming from the deteriorating geopolitical situation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The Italian tyre supplier made the decision to cancel the two-day testing programme in response to the escalating tensions across the Middle East region. Safety considerations for all involved in the operation prompted Pirelli to abandon the planned evaluation session rather than proceed as originally scheduled.
This marks a significant adjustment to Pirelli's testing calendar for the 2026 season, with the cancellation reflecting the broader impact that international instability can have on Formula 1's operations and logistics planning.
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Related Regulations
Hover over badges for quick summaries, or scroll down for full official text and simplified explanations.
Full Regulation Text
Article B6.1.1
Supply Of Tyres
Chapter: B6
In Simple Terms
F1 has one official tyre supplier who must make three different types of dry-weather tyres, plus intermediate and wet-weather tyres available to all teams. Each tyre type looks visibly different so everyone knows which compound is being used. Sometimes extra experimental tyres are tested during races.
- Single tyre manufacturer provides all tyres for the season
- Three dry-weather tyre specifications must be available (soft, medium, hard compounds)
- One intermediate and one wet-weather tyre specification each
- All tyre types must be visibly distinguishable from one another
Official FIA Text
The single tyre manufacturer must provide three specifications of dry-weather tyre, one specification of intermediate tyre, and one specification of wet-weather tyre, each visibly distinguishable. Additional tyre specifications may be made available for In-Competition Tyre Evaluation and In-Competition Tyre Testing at certain Competitions.
Article B6.6.5
Test parts, Test Software, Component Changes & Set-up Changes
Chapter: B6
In Simple Terms
Teams can test new parts and software during official tyre tests, but the car's basic setup must stay the same throughout the test. They can only make changes to the car's mechanical setup, driver controls, or software if it's absolutely necessary to properly test the tyres or complete the test.
- Test parts and test software are allowed during tyre tests
- The car must maintain a fixed specification, configuration and setup
- Mechanical setup changes are only permitted if necessary for tyre evaluation
- Any component or software changes must be justified by tyre testing requirements
Official FIA Text
Test parts and test software are permitted. However, the Car must remain in a fixed specification, configuration and set-up. Mechanical set-up changes, driver control changes, software and component changes are only permitted if necessary for correct evaluation of tyres or to complete the tyre test.
Article C10.8.2
Tyre Specification
Chapter: C10
In Simple Terms
The tyre supplier (Pirelli) decides what tyres F1 cars use, but they need FIA approval. These specifications can't be changed during the season unless the FIA deems it necessary for safety reasons. Think of it as a locked-in agreement to keep competition fair.
- Tyre supplier determines specifications in agreement with the FIA
- Specifications remain fixed throughout the season for competitive fairness
- FIA has emergency authority to change tyres mid-season for safety reasons
- Changes require Formula One Commission approval, except in safety situations
Official FIA Text
Tyre specifications determined by tyre supplier in agreement with FIA. Specification cannot change without Formula One Commission agreement, except FIA may change for safety reasons during season.
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