The F1 2023 season is sort of upon us – however earlier than then the ten Components One groups will put their new automobiles by their paces in pre-season testing.
The check will present groups and drivers with some important on-track motion and permit them to evaluate the strengths – and weaknesses – of their new designs forward of the opening race.
The check will likely be particularly necessary for Mercedes, who struggled with the regulation adjustments final season leaving Lewis Hamilton and George Russell properly off the tempo for a lot of the yr.
Pink Bull and Max Verstappen will begin pre-season as favourites to defend each of their world titles, while Ferrari will likely be hoping they’ve produced a automobile able to profitable their first title since 2008.
Right here is every little thing you’ll want to learn about F1 pre-season testing 2023.
When is F1 pre-season testing?
Pre-season testing will happen over three days on the Bahrain Worldwide Circuit, beginning on Thursday, February 23 and ending on Saturday, February 25.
Every day will likely be divided into two classes, with the primary beginning at 7am UK time and lasting for 4 hours.
A one hour break will then happen, earlier than the second session will get underway from 12pm and lasts for 4 and a half hours.
The afternoon classes will end after sundown to replicate the night-time circumstances of the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will likely be held on the identical venue on Sunday, March 5.
The Sakhir circuit is a perfect format for testing the automobiles because of its lengthy straights and tight corners, making certain the completely different traits of the automobiles are vigorously examined.
How will testing work?
Just one automobile from every staff will likely be on monitor throughout a session, that means groups and drivers can have clear runs with out the concern of visitors.
Prior to now, most groups have elected to present their drivers one session every per day, however others have elected to run one driver for the entire day earlier than switching to the opposite driver the next day.
Groups will have the ability to do as a lot operating as attainable within the allotted time and they’re going to have entry to the 5 Pirelli tyre compounds that will likely be used all through the season.
Reserve drivers may additionally be afforded outing on monitor throughout the three days.
The right way to watch F1 testing on TV and reside stream
Each session will likely be proven reside on Sky Sports activities F1 within the UK.
Protection of the morning classes will start every day at 6.50am, and the afternoon classes from 11.50am.
Sky prospects may even have the ability to reside stream pre-season testing through the Sky Sports activities web site and app, whereas these with out Sky will have the ability to watch the motion by buying a NOW TV day or month-to-month move.
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