F1 Bahrain Testing: Start Dates And Schedule Revealed

The second and final pre-season test for the 2022 Formula 1 season took place in Bahrain from 10-12 March. The test was hosted at the Bahrain International Circuit, which also hosted the 2022 season opener, the Bahrain Grand Prix, on 18-20 March. The Bahrain test was the first time that fans could see their favourite teams race with the new regulations attributed to the cars.

The 2022 F1 Bahrain test schedule

The 2022 F1 Bahrain test is the second and final pre-season test ahead of the new F1 season. It will take place from Thursday, March 10 to Saturday, March 12, 2022, at the Sakhir Circuit in Bahrain. The Bahrain International Circuit will host all 10 teams as they fine-tune their cars ahead of the 2022 season opener, the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will be held at the same venue on March 18-20.

Each day of the test will feature eight hours of running, split into morning and afternoon sessions. The morning session will begin at 7 am GMT and end at 11 am GMT, and the afternoon session will run from 12 pm to 4 pm GMT. There will be a one-hour lunch break in between the two sessions, which can be used to extend track time if needed due to poor weather conditions or red flags.

The Bahrain test will be broadcast live on TV, with live timing and fan attendance, unlike the first pre-season test in Barcelona, which was a lower-key, pre-testing track session that did not feature live TV coverage, live timing, or fan attendance. The Bahrain test is considered a traditional test, allowing previous formats to apply, including live broadcasting, live timing, and fan attendance.

The Bahrain test will also provide a representative comparison to the Barcelona test, allowing teams to verify their early findings, and it will be easier logistically for teams to remain at the track with only one week between the test and the race.

F1 pre-season testing: Bahrain vs Barcelona

F1 pre-season testing is the first chance to see all the new Formula 1 cars on the track. In 2022, F1 split its two pre-season tests between the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and the Bahrain International Circuit, with each venue hosting three-day tests, adding up to six full days of pre-season testing before the start of the season.

Barcelona Testing

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is the traditional venue for pre-season testing. Its central European location makes it a short journey from all the F1 teams' bases, and the track offers a variety of low, medium, and high-speed corners, plus a long main straight. Conditions are usually dry and sunny, although colder than the temperatures F1 will race in for most of the season.

The 2022 Barcelona test took place on 23-25 February and was a lower-key, pre-testing track session, allowing teams to shake down their new cars for the first time. This test didn't feature live TV coverage, live timing, or fans in attendance. Instead, it included content and best lap times at the end of each day.

Bahrain Testing

The Bahrain International Circuit was chosen as the second pre-season testing venue in 2022 due to its ideal testing conditions and track characteristics, providing a comparable reference point to the Barcelona running. Additionally, the Bahrain circuit hosted the 2022 season opener, making it easier logistically for teams to remain at the track, with only one week between the test and the race.

The 2022 Bahrain test took place on 10-12 March, one week before the Bahrain Grand Prix. This test reverted to the traditional format with fans allowed to attend, live TV coverage, and live timing. The track was open from 7 am to 4 pm GMT, with a one-hour lunch break that could be used to extend track time if needed due to poor weather or red flags.

Differences Between Barcelona and Bahrain Testing

The main difference between the Barcelona and Bahrain pre-season tests in 2022 was the level of accessibility and coverage. The Barcelona test was a more closed event, without live TV broadcasting, live timing, or fans in attendance. In contrast, the Bahrain test was open to fans and featured live TV coverage and live timing, similar to a typical grand prix weekend.

Another difference was the timing of the tests. The Barcelona test occurred in February, while the Bahrain test took place in March, closer to the start of the F1 season.

F1 Bahrain test driver schedule

The 2023 F1 pre-season testing schedule in Bahrain was as follows:

Thursday, 23 February

7:00-11:00 and 12:00-4:00 GMT

Friday, 24 February

7:00-11:00 and 12:00-4:00 GMT

Saturday, 25 February

7:00-11:00 and 12:00-4:00 GMT

Each day will feature eight hours of running, split into morning and afternoon sessions, with a one-hour lunch break in between.

The teams will release their full driver schedule ahead of the test. Typically, each driver gets one session per day, with young drivers also likely to feature at some point.

The 2024 pre-season testing schedule in Bahrain was as follows:

Wednesday, 21 February

7:00-11:00 and 12:00-4:00 GMT

Thursday, 22 February

7:00-11:00 and 12:00-4:00 GMT

Friday, 23 February

7:00-11:00 and 12:00-4:00 GMT

The 2022 pre-season testing schedule in Bahrain was as follows:

Thursday, 10 March

7:00-11:00 and 12:00-4:00 GMT

Friday, 11 March

7:00-11:00 and 12:00-4:00 GMT

Saturday, 12 March

7:00-11:00 and 12:00-4:00 GMT

Each day will feature eight hours of running, split into morning and afternoon sessions, with a one-hour lunch break in between.

The teams will release their full driver schedule ahead of the test. Typically, each driver gets one session per day, with young drivers also likely to feature at some point.

Where to watch the F1 Bahrain test

The F1 Bahrain test will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 in the UK and Ireland. Sky Sports subscribers can also watch the sessions live via the Sky Go app. Coverage will begin at 6:50 am GMT, 10 minutes before the track action starts, and will finish with a 10-minute recap of the morning session. The same format will be repeated for the afternoon session, starting at 11:50 am GMT.

Each day will feature two four-hour-long sessions, with a one-hour lunch break in between. The morning sessions will start at 7 am GMT and end at 11 am GMT, and the afternoon sessions will run from 12 pm GMT to 4 pm GMT.

In addition to the Sky F1 channel, subscribers can also watch the live action on their mobiles by logging in with their Sky ID on the Sky Sports App. The Sky Sports website and app will also provide a live digital blog with updates, timesheets, and free-to-view video clips of key incidents and interviews. Updates will also be available on Sky Sports News and Sky F1's social media channels.

F1 Bahrain testing: what, when, where, why

F1 Bahrain Testing is a pre-season testing event that gives teams the chance to prepare for the upcoming F1 season. The test provides an opportunity for teams to fine-tune their cars and strategies and for fans to get an in-depth look at the cars and teams in action.

The F1 Bahrain Testing typically takes place a week before the start of the F1 season. For example, in 2022, the testing took place from March 10-12, with the F1 season opener, the Bahrain Grand Prix, taking place on March 18-20. The 2024 F1 Bahrain Testing dates are February 21-23.

Where?

The F1 Bahrain Testing takes place at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain. The circuit is known for its favourable weather conditions and track characteristics, providing an ideal venue for testing and racing.

The F1 Bahrain Testing serves as a crucial step in the preparation for the upcoming F1 season. Teams can test their cars' performance and reliability and make any necessary adjustments before the start of the season. The testing also provides valuable data and insights that can inform team strategies and car developments throughout the season. Additionally, the event offers fans a glimpse of the new cars and teams in action, building excitement and anticipation for the upcoming F1 season.

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