McLaren test hits trouble as freezing temperatures cause disruption

The first Pirelli tyre test of 2025 encountered a decidedly chilly problem this week as running was impacted by below-freezing track temperatures.  Pirelli's first tyre test of the year was conducted with McLaren, at the former home of the French Grand Prix – Paul Ricard.  Oscar Piastri was at the wheel for the first of a two-day test and was unable to complete Wednesday morning's full programme due to the track conditions, with some sections of the circuit at minus-two degrees Celsius. He was driving McLaren's MCL60, the car the Woking-based team ran for the 2023 F1 season. The test was aimed at the development of Pirelli's wet and intermediate tyres for next year, when the new power unit regulations are introduced.  Whilst the morning test hit problems, Piastri completed the entirety of Wednesday afternoon's programme, completing 120 laps in total.  Today, Lando Norris is at the wheel focusing on Pirelli's wet and intermediate tyres for next year. Rain is forecast in Paul Ricard, although sprinklers and water tankers will be used if necessary. Both were used on Wednesday to ensure the circuit was wet, with Pirelli using tyres which still measure 18 inches in diameter but feature a slightly reduced width and external diameter on both the front and rear axles.