Bahrain Pre-Season Testing: Dates And Details

Bahrain has become the sole host of Formula 1's pre-season testing, with the 2023 event taking place from February 23-25. The Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir will host all 10 teams as they get to grips with their new machinery. The three-day test session will be split into morning and afternoon sessions, with a one-hour lunch break in between. Formula 1 test days are a great opportunity for fans to get close to the cars, teams, and drivers in a relaxed environment.

The 2023 F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain took place from February 23 to 25

In previous years, fans with tickets to the Bahrain Grand Prix have been able to attend the pre-season testing sessions for free. For the 2023 test, tickets were also available to purchase separately for a very affordable price. Hospitality tickets were also on offer, providing exclusive access to areas such as the balcony overlooking the pit lane and the Paddock Lounge.

The pre-season testing is a great opportunity for fans to get up close to the cars, teams, and drivers in a more relaxed environment than the races. While not all the cars may be on track for the full duration of the testing, and some drivers may be absent from certain sessions, it is still an exciting chance to see the teams in action as they prepare for the new season.

The 2023 F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain was an important event for the teams and fans alike, as they geared up for the record-breaking 23-race schedule that followed, including a maiden Las Vegas Grand Prix.

The test followed car launches

In the lead-up to the 2023 season, the Bahrain International Circuit hosted three days of pre-season testing from February 23-25. This followed the car launches, with teams eager to get out on track and put their new cars to the test. The test took place just a week before the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, providing the perfect opportunity for teams to fine-tune their setups and strategies.

The testing days were divided into morning and afternoon sessions, with a one-hour lunch break in between. This format provided a total of five hours of testing time each day, giving teams and drivers ample opportunity to gather data and make adjustments.

The pre-season test in Bahrain is not just limited to Formula One. In 2023, the FIA Formula 2 Championship also held its pre-season testing at the Sakhir circuit, with three days of testing from February 14-16. This provided an early-season advantage for the teams and drivers, as they prepared for the upcoming 14-round, 18-race season.

Formula 3 also joined in the pre-season testing action in Bahrain, with the FIA Formula 3 Championship holding its first on-track burst of the year at the Sakhir International Circuit. From February 14-16, the Formula 3 grid conducted morning and afternoon testing sessions, giving rookies and returning drivers their first taste of F3 cars ahead of the nine-round, 18-race season.

The Bahrain International Circuit hosted 10 teams

The three days of running followed a similar format to the pre-season schedule in 2022. Each day was divided into morning and afternoon sessions, with a one-hour lunch break in between. This break also gave teams time to prepare their cars if another driver was taking over for the afternoon session. The morning session began at 07:00 GMT and ran until 11:00 GMT, with testing resuming at 12:00 GMT and concluding at 16:00 GMT.

In 2022, the second round of pre-season testing was held at the Bahrain International Circuit from March 10-12. This test was broadcast live on television and F1TV, as well as offering live timing through the F1TV app.

In 2023, Bahrain became the sole host of Formula 1's only pre-season test. The track has become an increasingly regular proving ground for Formula 1 cars, with teams taking advantage of its in-season testing in recent years.

The test took place a week before the season started at the same circuit

The Bahrain International Circuit is a popular destination for Formula 1 pre-season testing. In 2023, it was the sole host of Formula 1's pre-season test, with all 10 teams taking part in three days of testing from February 23-25. The test took place a week before the season started at the same circuit, with the Bahrain Grand Prix kicking things off on March 5.

The three days of testing in Bahrain followed the car launches and gave teams and drivers valuable track time to prepare for the new season. The test consisted of morning and afternoon sessions, with a one-hour break in between.

In 2022, Bahrain also hosted a round of pre-season testing from March 10-12, which was broadcast live on television and F1TV, offering fans a glimpse of the new cars and teams ahead of the new season.

Looking ahead to 2025, Bahrain is once again set to host Formula 1 pre-season testing from February 26-28. This will be three weeks before the start of the season, with the Australian Grand Prix as the first race.

Bahrain has become a regular proving ground for Formula 1 cars, with the track offering an ideal setting for teams to get to grips with their new machinery and establish early-season confidence. The pre-season tests are a great opportunity for fans to get up close to the cars, teams, and drivers in a relaxed environment, and tickets are usually available at a very affordable price.

The test is comprised of morning and afternoon sessions

In 2023, the morning session ran from 07:00-11:00 GMT, with a one-hour break for lunch, and the afternoon session ran from 12:00-16:00 GMT. The 2025 schedule is yet to be confirmed, but the cars were on the track from 10am to 7pm each day for testing in 2024, with a one-hour lunch break from 2-3pm.

For the 2023 Formula 3 pre-season testing, the morning session ran from 09:00-11:30 local time, and the afternoon session from 14:30-17:00 local time.

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