(Motorsport-Total.com) – Due to the dramatically escalating tensions in the Middle East, Pirelli has prematurely cancelled the tire tests planned for this weekend at the Bahrain International Circuit.
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The recent military clashes between Israel, the United States of America, and Iran forced the Italian tire manufacturer to immediately cancel the test program in Sakhir.
Particularly the attacks on the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet stationed in Bahrain have fundamentally changed the security situation on site. Above all, however, the USA also uses the Isa Air Base, which is located only 15 kilometers from the Bahrain International Circuit.
At the same time, another airport, the Sakhir Air Base, which was built primarily for air shows, is located directly next to the race track. In case of doubt, it could certainly be confused with the Isa Air Base. Thus, there is a high level of danger at the race track.
Employees stuck in Manama
Actually, Mercedes and McLaren were supposed to perform valuable development work for the 2026 season this Saturday and tomorrow, Sunday. The focus was on the new rain tires and intermediates, which were to be tested on the desert circuit under special conditions.
To collect realistic data, it was planned to artificially flood the track using a special irrigation system. For Mercedes, test driver Frederik Vesti, among others, was to be at the wheel to collect important kilometers with the modified test vehicles (“mule cars”).
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In an official statement, Pirelli emphasizes that the safety of personnel in such a volatile international situation takes absolute priority over sporting or technical progress.
The tire manufacturer confirms that all Pirelli employees as well as the team members from Mercedes and McLaren are currently safe. The employees are staying in their hotels in the capital, Manama, for the time being, while work is already underway at full speed in the background to ensure a safe departure. The goal is to bring the personnel back to Italy and England as quickly as possible.
The cancellation comes at a very inconvenient time, as Formula 1 is just before the season opener in Australia. Many team members and logistics experts normally use the Gulf region as a hub for their journey to Melbourne. Due to the closure of airspaces and general uncertainty, alternative routes are now being sought.
It is not excluded that current events could have further impacts on the race calendar, especially since Bahrain itself is planned for April 12 as the fourth round of the season. The FIA and Formula 1 officials are monitoring the situation closely to be able to react to further developments at short notice if necessary.
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