Iconic circuit to return in important F1 test

F1 is to return to the Nurburgring next week in a two-day tyre test involving the Mercedes and McLaren teams. 

Pirelli runs on-track testing with teams across the season to gather real-world data to give direction into tyre development, although teams selected are effectively blind whilst they complete their running.

The tyre manufacturer essentially rents a team for the test, with the participants not aware of any compound Pirelli is testing with run-plans directed by Pirelli. 

The test marks F1's return to the Nurburgring for the first time since the one-off 2020 Eifel Grand Prix, which was run after the calendar was decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Cars are set to be on-track across April 14th-15th. 

RacingNews365 understands that Mercedes will be running regular race drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli whilst McLaren will also field its regular duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. 

Between 2009 and 2013, the circuit hosted the German Grand Prix on alternating years with Hockenheim, doing so in odd-numbered years before Hockenheim became the sole host in 2014, continuing with its even-numbered slots until 2018, with a final race being held in 2019, at the behest of Mercedes as it celebrated its 125th anniversary. 

Ferrari is also set to be in testing action for Pirelli during the April break, with a two-day wet tyre test at Fiorano, replacing the cancelled running in Bahrain due to the outbreak of the Iran War.