Formula 1 activity will return to the Nürburgring next month when Mercedes and McLaren participate in a Pirelli tire development session, according to Crash.net. The April 14-15 test represents the circuit's first F1 involvement since hosting the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix.
Mercedes will field George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for the two-day program, while McLaren plans to utilize Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri on alternating days. The session takes place on the GP-Strecke configuration rather than the full Nordschleife layout.
This Pirelli test serves as a replacement for a previously planned Bahrain session that was canceled in February due to regional security concerns related to the US-Israel conflict with Iran. The tire manufacturer had originally intended to conduct wet-weather compound testing in artificial conditions.
The Nürburgring's return to F1 activity highlights Germany's reduced presence in the sport. No German venue has appeared on the regular calendar since Hockenheim's 2019 race, which was dropped due to financial difficulties and poor attendance figures. Currently, only Nico Hülkenberg represents Germany on the F1 grid following Sebastian Vettel's retirement and Mick Schumacher's departure from the series.
Weather conditions may influence Pirelli's testing focus, with early forecasts suggesting potential rain on Tuesday before clearer skies Wednesday. The tire supplier previously developed artificial track-wetting technology for the canceled Bahrain session.
The test provides crucial track time during F1's extended break, with competition set to resume at Miami on May 3 following the cancellation of Middle Eastern rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Source: Crash.net