Testing. Boring to watch, but an essential part of performance when it comes to race day results. That’s especially the case with GT racing, where there are so many parameters to adjust and different things to try. But organising a test tends to be complicated and expensive if you don’t share the cost of track hire.

SRO – the promoter of all the Blancpain GT series that use Pirelli as exclusive tyre supplier – has traditionally partnered with track day organisers Curbstone to host a series of pre-season days at some of the world’s most iconic racing circuits. And next year, the pre-season test tour steps up a gear.

Curbstone’s testing calendar will kick off at the end of February with a trip to Paul Ricard, before nipping over the border to Pirelli’s home at Monza the week after. Barcelona is the next stop before tests at Spa-Francorchamps and the Nurburgring in subsequent weeks. It’s like doing a season before the season even begins. This bespoke testing schedule is designed to minimise costs, which is why car transport from Paul Ricard to Monza, and Spa-Francorchamps to Silverstone is included, as well as hotels and catering. Drivers can sign up for as much or as little as they like.