Aston Martin Confirms Reduced Barcelona Test Running

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Aston Martin has confirmed it will not complete the full three days of running permitted during this week’s official Formula 1 2026 shakedown test in Barcelona, following delays to its AMR26 programme.

RacingNews365 reported last week that the Silverstone-based team was facing potential setbacks in preparing its 2026 challenger, and that the AMR26 was unlikely to appear on track during the early phase of the test. That situation has now been clarified by the team through an official statement.

On-Track Debut Delayed Until Late in the Week

Aston Martin confirmed it will be present at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya throughout the test week, but will not begin running until Thursday at the earliest, with the intention of also running on Friday.

As a result, the team will complete a maximum of two days on track, despite regulations allowing each team up to three days of running during the five-day, behind-closed-doors Barcelona test.

Implications for the AMR26 Programme

The reduced running time places greater emphasis on efficiency during Aston Martin’s limited track sessions, particularly as teams seek early correlation between simulator data, wind tunnel work, and real-world performance under the all-new 2026 technical regulations.

With significant changes to power units and aerodynamics defining the new era, each day of testing carries substantial value. Missing one-third of the available running in Barcelona may constrain the scope of Aston Martin’s early evaluation work, shifting priorities toward system checks and baseline validation rather than broader set-up exploration.

Official Team Statement

Aston Martin outlined its intentions clearly in a brief statement, stressing that the delay has been factored into its overall pre-season planning.

“The AMR26 will be in Barcelona later this week for its shakedown,” the team said.
“Our intention is to run Thursday and Friday.”

Focus Turns to Bahrain

The Barcelona shakedown represents the first step of the expanded 2026 pre-season testing schedule, ahead of two further three-day tests in Bahrain. For Aston Martin, the emphasis now shifts toward ensuring the AMR26 is fully prepared to undertake a more comprehensive programme during those later sessions.

While the delayed debut limits early mileage, the team will be aiming to maximise learning across its two days of running in Barcelona, before building momentum heading into the more representative Bahrain tests.