Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez will both get behind the wheel of Red Bull's new F1 car ahead of official pre-season testing, RacingNews365.com understands. F1's first pre-season test is scheduled to take place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from 23-25 February, but Red Bull are planning their usual shakedown with the RB18 for initial systems checks and filming purposes. World Champion Verstappen and continuing teammate Perez are set to share driving duties for the 100 kilometres of running, which will most likely take place at Silverstone, due to the circuit's proximity to the Red Bull factory in Milton Keynes.
Verstappen and Perez to try out the RB18
Speaking to RacingNews365.com in a recent, exclusive interview, Team Principal Christian Horner confirmed Red Bull's plans for a shakedown with their new car – the first made for F1's all-new technical regulations. "In terms of testing, we'll do the usual shakedown, prior to heading down to Barcelona and Bahrain," Horner explained. "With a new car, it's not a lot at three days a driver – it's pretty intense. But it'll certainly make the first part of the season, for the fans and the followers, more interesting." It has since emerged that both Verstappen and Perez will have an opportunity to drive at the shakedown, which is expected to take place shortly after the car launch – a date for which has not yet been announced.
What's involved in an F1 car shakedown?
During a shakedown, F1 teams are permitted to run their cars over a maximum distance of 100km, on specially-supplied demo tyres from Pirelli. These outings give teams an opportunity to carry out systems checks, while film crews are also often present to capture content for team partners and the media. After car launches and any shakedowns, the teams will head to Barcelona for the aforementioned opening three-day test, which RacingNews365.com understands will not be open to the public. The field will then move on to the Bahrain International Circuit for a second test, planned for 10-12 March – a week before the season opener at the same venue.
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