Aston Martin to add filming day in Barcelona after limited AMR26 shakedown

Aston Martin is set to utilize a filming day at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to gain extra mileage for its new AMR26, following a shakedown that was cut short by an electrical issue. The team managed only 54 unofficial laps over its limited running, significantly less than rivals who completed multiple race distances during the official test. Fernando Alonso completed the bulk of the laps on the final day, albeit with an enforced speed limit while the team evaluated the new Honda power unit.

Why it matters:

For a team launching an all-new car designed by Adrian Newey, every kilometer of data is invaluable. The limited running puts Aston Martin on the back foot compared to competitors who have already logged extensive mileage. This extra filming day is a critical opportunity to verify systems, build reliability, and catch up before pre-season testing begins, setting the foundation for their 2026 campaign.

The details:

• The AMR26, Adrian Newey's first design for Aston Martin, had its track debut cut short on its first day when Lance Stroll stopped on circuit after just five laps due to a reported electrical issue.
• Fernando Alonso took over for the final day, completing 49 laps with a fastest time of 1:20.795, but was reportedly running with a speed limit between 230-275 km/h for systems checks.
• The team's total of 54 unofficial laps is a fraction of what most other teams achieved during the three-day Barcelona test.
• According to reports, the team will now use one of its allotted filming days at the same circuit. F1 regulations permit 200km of running on such days, equating to roughly 42 laps around the 4.655km Barcelona track.

What's next:

The additional filming day represents a crucial chance for Aston Martin to troubleshoot the initial electrical gremlin and gather more data on the car's complex new systems and Honda power unit. All eyes will be on whether the team can complete a trouble-free run and how the AMR26's performance translates when unrestricted running begins in official pre-season testing. Alonso's cautiously optimistic "first day and more to come" comment will soon be put to a more substantive test.