Ferrari will return to the track almost immediately after Madrid, with a busy two-day programme scheduled at Imola on 15 and 16 September. The Maranello team and Racing Bulls will take part in a new Pirelli test dedicated to the development of the 2027 Formula 1 tyres, while Ferrari is also expected to add a separate TPC programme on the second day.
For Ferrari, the Imola test will involve both race drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, as well as reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi. The work forms part of Pirelli’s long-running development programme for next season, giving the tyre supplier further track data as preparations for the 2027 specification continue.
Ferrari and Racing Bulls begin 2027 Pirelli tyre testing at Imola
According to information obtained by AutoRacer, both teams will work within Pirelli’s programme across the two days, using their respective race drivers as part of the running. Ferrari’s contribution will include Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton and Antonio Giovinazzi, giving the Italian tyre manufacturer input from both of the Scuderia’s regular drivers as well as one of its reserves.
The test continues the development process Pirelli has already been carrying out for several months ahead of the 2027 season. Ferrari will therefore move directly from a demanding Madrid Grand Prix weekend into another important period of track activity, this time focused not on the SF-26’s race performance but on tyre development for Formula 1’s next campaign.
Racing Bulls will also be involved in the Imola programme. On Wednesday, the team is expected to run with Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson as Pirelli continues gathering data from different cars and drivers during its 2027 tyre development work.
For Ferrari, the participation of Lewis Hamilton means another immediate return to the cockpit after Madrid, with the seven-time world champion continuing a particularly busy stretch of the season. The latest news and developments surrounding the British driver can also be followed through the dedicated Lewis Hamilton Ferrari section.
Ferrari adds TPC programme on Wednesday
The Scuderia’s activity at Imola will not be limited to the Pirelli test. On Wednesday, 16 September, Ferrari is also expected to run its own Testing of Previous Cars programme, commonly known as TPC, using a Formula 1 car from an earlier season.
This second programme will bring Ferrari’s reserve and development drivers into action. Dino Beganovic and Rafael Câmara are expected to be involved, while Arthur Leclerc should also be present. Charles Leclerc’s younger brother has frequently carried out simulator work at Maranello and is expected to join the group involved in Ferrari’s additional running.
That will make the Imola outing particularly intensive for the team. The main drivers will contribute to the 2027 tyre programme for Pirelli, while the second day should also give Ferrari’s reserve group valuable track mileage in older machinery under the TPC regulations.
The distinction between the two programmes is important. Pirelli’s test is centred on future tyre development, while Ferrari’s TPC running is a separate team activity using a previous-generation car. Together, however, they create a packed schedule at Imola immediately after Madrid and continue a period of sustained technical work for the Scuderia. Broader analysis of Ferrari’s development work can be found in the Ferrari technical analysis section.
Imola still waiting for decision on Formula 1 season finale
Imola’s role could become important for another reason later in the year. A definitive decision on the logistics surrounding the final part of the Formula 1 season is expected between the end of September and the first days of October, depending on the situation involving the final rounds of the championship.
Once that decision is taken, any alternatives will need to be defined quickly so Formula 1 and the teams have enough time to organise transport, personnel and the wider logistics required for the closing races. The overall picture already appears relatively clear: the championship is expected to conclude either in the United Arab Emirates or in Italy.
Should Formula 1 need to make changes to the existing schedule, Imola remains the principal available solution. The circuit is therefore still waiting for clarity on whether it could be called upon to play a role in the season finale, with the remaining championship schedule available through the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.
For now, the Emilia-Romagna venue is returning to immediate action with Pirelli, Ferrari and Racing Bulls. Their presence does not determine any future decision regarding the calendar, but it once again demonstrates that Imola is operationally ready should Formula 1 need the circuit later in the season.
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