Formula1.comVerified26 days agoby Formula 1

Action Gets Underway: Machines Take to Bahrain Circuit for Opening Test Session

The opening day of pre-season testing has commenced at the Bahrain International Circuit, marking the official start of on-track activity ahead of the 2026 campaign. Teams have begun their preparations by running their cars through the first session of the test schedule.

The Formula 1 paddock has sprung to life in Bahrain as the first day of pre-season testing has kicked off in earnest. With their newly prepared machinery ready for evaluation, teams have commenced operations at the Bahrain International Circuit, putting their cars through their paces on track.

This initial session represents a crucial opportunity for teams to gather baseline data, test setup configurations, and begin their assessment of performance heading into the 2026 season. The commencement of track activity signals that the competitive year is now officially underway, with engineers and drivers alike focused on maximizing the productivity of these vital testing days.

Original source

Formula1.com

Read Original

Related Regulations

sporting Regulations

Hover over badges for quick summaries, or scroll down for full official text and simplified explanations.

Full Regulation Text

Sporting Regulations

Article B11.2.7

FIA Source

TCC Opportunities

Chapter: B

In Simple Terms

Teams are limited to specific testing opportunities throughout the year: one private 5-day test and two public 3-day tests before the season starts, plus a 1-day test after the season ends. They can also do tire testing (up to 40 car days) and one 1-day substitute driver test. These rules prevent teams from gaining unfair advantages through excessive testing.

Pre-season testing limited to one 5-day private test and two 3-day public tests
Post-season testing restricted to one 1-day test only
Out-of-competition tire testing capped at 40 car days maximum
One additional 1-day test allowed for substitute drivers

Official FIA Text

TCC limited to pre-season private collective testing (one 5-day test), pre-season public collective testing (two 3-day tests), post-season test (one 1-day test), out-of-competition tyre testing (maximum 40 car days), and substitute driver test (one 1-day test).

tcc testingcollective testingpre-season testingpost-season testingtire testing

2026 Season Regulations

Sporting Regulations

Article B11.2

FIA Source

Provisions for TCC

Chapter: B

In Simple Terms

TCC (Testing of Current Cars) sessions on European tracks are limited to a maximum of 9 hours per day, running between 9 AM and 7 PM. Only current-season F1 cars can be used (except for special tire testing), and drivers without a super license must use cars with a blue-green rear light.

TCC sessions on European circuits limited to maximum 9 hours daily between 09:00-19:00
Only current F1 cars permitted, except during out-of-competition tire testing
Non-super license drivers must use cars equipped with blue-green rear light
TCC restricted to specific testing types: pre-season testing, post-season test, tire testing, and substitute driver tests

Official FIA Text

TCC running limited to maximum nine hours between 09:00 and 19:00 on European circuits. Only current cars permitted except for out-of-competition tyre testing. Cars driven by non-super licence holders must have blue-green rear light. TCC limited to pre-season private/public collective testing, post-season test, out-of-competition tyre testing, and substitute driver test.

tcctesting of current carscollective testingeuropean circuitssuper license

2026 Season Regulations

Sporting Regulations

Article B2.1.2

FIA Source

Free Practice Sessions - Alternative Format

Chapter: B2

In Simple Terms

On the first day of track running at a Grand Prix weekend, teams get one practice session called FP1 that lasts for 1 hour. This gives drivers and teams a chance to familiarize themselves with the track, test their cars, and gather data before the more important qualifying and race sessions.