Pre-season testing is the first opportunity for all F1 teams to run cars together and get the first clues as to who will be competitive next season and who won’t.
This year, the event will be held over just three days, with all events taking place in Bahrain, where the season opener will be held just over a week later.
Click here for the complete race calendar. However, below is a summary of pre-season testing.
When is the preseason test?
Bahrain’s pre-season test will be held over three days from February 21st to 23rd.
This is the only official collective run the team undertakes. Teams complete a shakedown (teams can drive up to 200 km in their cars, also known as a filming day).
What time does the preseason test start?
Track action will begin at 10am Bahrain local time (7am GMT/UK time) on all three days and end at 7pm local time (4pm GMT/UK time).
Can I watch pre-season testing on TV?
F1TV will broadcast pre-season testing in all regions where it normally broadcasts F1 weekend matches live.
Sky Sports F1 will stream the action for UK subscribers.
It’s usually a joint broadcast between F1TV and Sky, so you can expect both pundits to take turns presenting and commentating.
Is it an accurate indicator?
Preseason testing is not a completely accurate indication of the true competitive standings, but it can show who has moved forward and who has stepped back compared to the previous year.
In 2023, for example, Aston Martin’s big breakthrough was threatened by a strong pre-season pace.