Pirelli happy with Intermediate tyre performance at Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia

Pirelli say the peformance of the intermediate tyres at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia was ‘positive’ after its real significant use in the 2026 Formula 1 world championship.

Feature image credit: By Courtesy of Pirelli

For the first time under the latest set of Formula 1 regulations, and in the 2026 season, the intermediates had their time to shine at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.

Before the race, rain had fallen heavily at the Sepang International Circuit, prompting a delayed start to proceedings. However, when it lifted, all of the drivers started the formation lap on the intermediates, expecting to go racing straight away. But, a software issue in the power deployment saw the start procedure suspended, which the FIA vowed to undergo a full review.

When it resumed, there was a mix of slick and intermediate tyre options amongst the grid, with the latter being the correct option to go on before the track started to dry later on.

Following the conclusion of the grand prix, Pirelli are said to be pleased with its performance, claiming it performance was ‘positive’ and delivered a ‘high level of grip.’

FIA vow ‘full review’ after Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia formation lap carnage

On this, Pirelli Motorsport Director, Dario Marrafuschi said:

“Sepang provided the first real opportunity this season to see significant use of the Intermediate tyre. In the conditions encountered today, its performance was positive, delivering a high level of grip and consistent performance throughout its stint length.

“In the closing laps, as the track continued to dry, a slight amount of graining appeared on the wet-weather tyres, although there were no particular wear concerns despite the highly abrasive surface.”

The Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia might not be the only time the wet weather tyres are on display, this season.

Formula 1 heads to Singapore for the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix – which also stands as the season’s final sprint race. However, wet weather is expected, allowing another use of the green-walled intermediates, or – if conditions worsen – the blue-walled full wet tyres.

Pirelli are also set to conduct a wet-weather tyre test at France’s Magny-Cours Circuit, where the tyre supplier will use the tracks artificial watering system to test out the wet tyres.

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Kamron Kent

Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.

I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.

Kamron Kent

Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.