Hamilton and Leclerc complete 623 km of Pirelli 2027 tyre testing at Imola

Ferrari’s two race drivers completed extensive running at Imola for Pirelli’s 2027 tyre evaluation, producing substantial data and giving the team recent SF-26 mileage at a circuit under consideration as a late-season alternative venue.

In this brief: 3 sections 2 min read

- Hamilton ran the morning programme: 64 laps, 314 km, fastest lap 1:19.485.
- Leclerc ran the afternoon programme: 63 laps, 309 km, fastest lap 1:18.832.
- Combined total: 127 laps / 623 km of SF-26 running for Pirelli’s test programme.
- Prototypes based on C3, C4 and C5 compounds were assessed.
- Programme moved from short five-lap performance runs to longer stints to evaluate degradation and behaviour.
- Session aimed at helping Pirelli finalise 2027 specifications rather than outright lap-time comparison.
- Imola is being discussed as a potential replacement for Abu Dhabi as the 2026 finale; recent SF-26 mileage there increases Ferrari’s knowledge if chosen.
- Session ran alongside Ferrari’s separate Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) activity to maximise track time.
- Hot conditions (track ~50°C, air ~32°C) provided data under high thermal load.

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