Pirelli will conduct its first-ever wet-weather test in Bahrain at the end of February, with McLaren and Mercedes providing mule cars for the evaluation. The Italian tyre manufacturer has faced ongoing criticism about its wet-weather compounds and sees this opportunity as crucial for gathering data on abrasive Bahrain surfaces that differ significantly from European circuits.

The test represents a strategic shift for Pirelli, which typically conducts wet testing at sprinkler-equipped European venues like Paul Ricard and Magny-Cours. Bahrain's notoriously demanding track surface offers unique challenges that could help Pirelli refine its intermediate and full wet tyres. The test will use 2026-spec mule cars, reflecting the limited data available from current regulations.

With 2026 rule changes eliminating the diffuser and narrowing tyres, Pirelli must determine whether to maintain separate wet and intermediate compounds or develop a single 'super intermediate' option. The test could provide vital information about spray levels and visibility issues that have plagued recent wet races. Pirelli motorsport director Mario Isola emphasized the importance of consistent water levels during testing to ensure meaningful data collection.