Ferrari First to Test New Madring Circuit Ahead of Spanish Grand Prix

Scuderia FerrariTeam·Ferrari is poised to make history this Thursday, July 8, 2026, as it becomes the first Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 team to test the new MadringVenue·Madring street circuit in MadridVenue·Madrid. This pivotal filming day offers the Italian outfit an invaluable opportunity to gather initial data and insights into the track that will host the Spanish Grand PrixCompetition·Spanish Grand Prix from September 11-13, replacing the long-standing venue in BarcelonaVenue·Barcelona.

The SF-26 car will take to the 5.416-kilometer circuit, with drivers Lewis HamiltonPlayer·Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeclercPlayer·Charles Leclerc sharing duties. Regulations for such promotional events permit a maximum of 200 kilometers of running, a distance that will nonetheless provide FerrariTeam·Ferrari with a significant head start in understanding the circuit's unique characteristics. Beyond FerrariTeam·Ferrari's data acquisition, the session also serves as a critical operational test for the MadringVenue·Madring organizers, allowing them to assess the functionality of the facility with a Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 car.

The MadringVenue·Madring circuit, featuring 22 corners and a notable long banked section, has seen rapid development. While the track surface itself is complete, recent media visits indicated that construction on grandstands and paddock infrastructure was still actively underway just days prior to this scheduled test. FerrariTeam·Ferrari's presence will offer further confirmation of the progress achieved in preparing the venue for its inaugural Grand Prix.

This early access comes at a significant juncture for FerrariTeam·Ferrari, who have demonstrated strong form in the 2026 season. The team has secured two victories in the last three rounds, with Charles LeclercPlayer·Charles Leclerc triumphing at the British Grand PrixCompetition·British Grand Prix at SilverstoneVenue·Silverstone and Lewis HamiltonPlayer·Lewis Hamilton claiming victory at the BarcelonaVenue·Barcelona Grand Prix. These results have positioned FerrariTeam·Ferrari in second place in the Constructors' Championship, 78 points behind current leaders MercedesTeam·Mercedes. In the Drivers' Standings, Lewis HamiltonPlayer·Lewis Hamilton holds third place, with Charles LeclercPlayer·Charles Leclerc closely following in fourth, while Kimi AntonelliPlayer·Kimi Antonelli of MercedesTeam·Mercedes leads the championship.

The strategic implications of being the first team to run on MadringVenue·Madring are considerable. The initial knowledge gained regarding car setup, tire degradation, and optimal racing lines could prove decisive when the championship arrives in MadridVenue·Madrid later in the season. FerrariTeam·Ferrari had previously introduced a substantial eight-part upgrade package for their SF-26 at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand PrixCompetition·Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in June 2026, focusing on aerodynamic enhancements to improve performance. This proactive approach to development aligns with the team's ambitions.

"The development will play such an important role that it's important that this goes well, and if it goes well, everything is possible. But surely we must not lose too much time because Kimi is doing everything perfect so far and then to go and catch up all the points that..."— Charles Leclerc.

The MadringVenue·Madring circuit represents a new chapter for the Spanish Grand PrixCompetition·Spanish Grand Prix, and FerrariTeam·Ferrari's early engagement marks a proactive step in mastering this fresh challenge. The data collected this week will undoubtedly inform their preparations for the race weekend in September, as they aim to close the gap in both championships.