IndyCar driver assists to Pirelli's third test outing of 2025
Formula One's sole tyre manufacturer Pirelli has kicked off its third tyre testing of 2025, working with Alpine, McLaren and Mercedes at Jerez de la Frontera.
Pirelli staged its first tyre testing with McLaren at the Paul Ricard circuit back in January, trying out the brand-new 2026 intermediate and wet-weather tyres.
The Italian tyre supplier then headed to Barcelona where it brought its narrower slick tyres on to the Montmelo circuit, with Ferrari and McLaren assisting to the test outing.
The on-track activity has now continued, with the circuit at Jerez de la Frontera playing host to the third Pirelli tyre test of the year. McLaren and Alpine took part on the first day, with IndyCar driver Patricio O'Ward getting himself behind the wheel of the papaya car.
"Beauuuutiful day in Jerez today. 154 laps around one of my favorite circuits. I'm ready to go destroy some dinner now, feels amazing to be back in a F1 car," commented O'Ward.
Alpine worked with Pierre Gasly behind the wheel. While the Mexican driver racked up a total of 154 laps, Gasly completed 157 laps. The Frenchman ended up the quicker of the two, clocking in a time of 1m18.092s, while O'Ward ended the day with a lap time of 1m19.484s.
Similar to the previous two test outings, McLaren took to the track without sponsor stickers on its car, while Alpine took part in the test with a black-painted A523, which was decorated with the pink logo of the main sponsor BWT.
The second day of the tyre testing will see Mercedes replace McLaren while Alpine will carry on with the work. George Russell will get behind the wheel of the Mercedes F1 machine while Alpine's F1 car will be piloted by Jack Doohan.
