Audi, Alpine to test 2026 cars first – report

Dec.12 (GMM) The primary working of Components 1’s new-era 2026 machines is ready to come back sooner than anybody anticipated.

Grada3 is reporting that Audi and Alpine have secured FIA permission to start shakedown testing at Barcelona within the second week of January – properly forward of the official late-January closed-door group check.

In accordance with the Spanish outlet, Audi will hearth the opening shot of the brand new laws on 9 January, utilizing a filming day at Montmelo to place the primary kilometres on its newly branded works automobile.

Alpine is anticipated to observe on 11 January within the new Mercedes-powered A526 forward of the workforce’s deliberate January 23 launch.

The early working comes amid the shortest low season in F1 historical past and widespread concern that reliability, energy-management techniques and aero should all be validated as quickly as doable underneath the radically completely different 2026 guidelines. Some groups are reportedly even bringing personal safety to forestall long-lens spy photographs.

Auto Motor und Sport echoed the stories, noting that Audi has been working for months towards an early debut – even working its new energy unit with a accomplished monocoque earlier than Christmas – a milestone workforce boss Jonathan Wheatley stated he “can’t keep in mind ever doing this early earlier than.”

Alpine, nevertheless, denied the January 11 date when contacted.

In the meantime, Aston Martin-Honda moved to kill rumours unfold just lately by former Alpine boss Marcin Budkowski that Honda’s 2026 energy unit was working late. Each Aston and Honda confirmed they’ll absolutely take part within the official Barcelona check window.

Honda CEO Koji Watanabe stated: “The whole energy unit is already put in within the AMR26 and has been taken to the observe for shakedown testing. If all goes properly, we are going to carry that specification to manufacturing.”

Fernando Alonso additionally dismissed speak of delays, saying he already has his seat match scheduled and journey booked for January testing.

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