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The final day of track action for the 2024 season concluded in Abu Dhabi today at the Yas Marina circuit. All ten teams participated in the end-of-season test, each running two cars with different objectives. One car from each team was driven by a rookie driver, defined as one who has competed in two or fewer Grands Prix, while the other car was driven by experienced drivers, some of whom were already preparing for the upcoming season with new teams.
The tire options varied for the two groups, with rookies using the 2024 compounds from the previous Grand Prix weekend, and experienced drivers testing the homologated compounds for the 2025 season developed in collaboration with Pirelli over the past year. The only exception was the absence of the C1 tire, as it was not suitable for this track.
Young drivers were provided with eight sets of tires – two C3, four C4, and two C5. Experienced drivers had access to ten sets, including one C2, three each of C3 and C4, two C5, and one C6, the new ultra-soft compound introduced for the 2025 season.
Unlike the test at the Mexico City weekend, Pirelli did not dictate a specific program for the 2025 tires, allowing teams the freedom to gather valuable data for next year’s car development. Additionally, FIA regulations prohibited the use of any components not previously used during a race weekend.
A total of 2,578 laps were completed during the nine hours of testing, covering a distance of 13,614.418 kilometers. Charles Leclerc topped the time sheet with a lap time of 1:23.510, followed by Carlos Sainz and George Russell in second and third place, respectively.
The testing session provided valuable insights into the new 2025 tire compounds, indicating improved mechanical resistance and reduced tread abrasion. The data collected will be carefully analyzed to optimize tire performance for the upcoming season.
The 2024 season officially concluded with the testing session, and preparations are already underway for the 2026 tire development. Ferrari, Sauber, and other teams used the opportunity to test new drivers and gather essential data for the upcoming season.
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