Testing – Pirelli will carry out a 2019 prototype tyre test at Suzuka throughout Tuesday & Wednesday, with Renault the team supplying the car and drivers.
As part of the 2019 tyre testing program, all the teams take part in a series of specific tyre tests sprinkled sporadically through the year. The teams are not allowed to test any updates or car changes, while Pirelli decide on the program the team must use. Prototype tyres used are unmarked, with no indication given to the participating team as to what compound they are using.
These tests fall outside the official group tests that take part during the winter pre-season, as well as the in-season tests held this year in Barcelona and Hungary. It’s Renault’s turn to carry out the work for Pirelli, with a test team staying on at Suzuka for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Tuesday sees their reserve driver Jack Aitken take the wheel; he took part in the in-season test at Catalunya earlier this year. It will be his very first time driving the Suzuka circuit. Artem Markelov, who recently participated in FP1 for Renault at his home race in Russia, will drive on Wednesday. He also drove a day at the Hungarian in-season test at the beginning of the summer break.
🚨 ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨
Our driver line-up for the Suzuka @pirellisport tyre test is confirmed!
Tuesday – Jack Aitken
Wednesday – Artem Markelov#RSspirit pic.twitter.com/THJJRxtMXY— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) October 8, 2018
