After the cancellation of the two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Formula 1 is on an unplanned and involuntary break. But there is still driving: during the Pirelli tire tests in Suzuka. Red Bull youngster Arvid Lindblad didn’t cut a good figure on Wednesday and ended up in the wall.
Formula 1 Rokie Arvid Lindblad learned his lesson during tire tests by manufacturer Pirelli and had an accident on a wet track in Suzuka on Wednesday. Fortunately, only his car was damaged; the 18-year-old himself got out of his Racing Bulls car unscathed.
How exactly the accident happened is not clear. After the crash, the only images circulating online showed Lindblad standing next to his car. The Red Bull youngster had previously spun off the track and lost his front wing.
Verstappen refrains from Formula 1 tests
The two Red Bull racing teams are the only ones testing the new rain rubber from Pirelli on the Formula 1 circuit in Suzuka these days. In addition to Lindblad, Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson are also on site. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen is not present. Replacement driver Yuki Tsunoda was also not seen on the track.
The tire test now being carried out in Suzuka should actually have taken place before the first race in Bahrain. However, after the Middle East conflict broke out, this test was canceled for security reasons. Pirelli took advantage of the opportunity and scheduled additional tests in Suzuka. During the changeable weather, the rain tire compounds were put through their paces over the past few days.
On the first day of testing, Hadjar and Lawson did a few laps on the all-rain tires. After the track dried out in the afternoon, they switched to the intermediates. According to Pirelli information, the Red Bull driver completed a total of 69 laps and the Racing Bulls driver 65 laps. Lindblad will take over the final session as scheduled on Wednesday afternoon (local time).
