Bahrain Pre-Season Testing: Live Updates from Day 3 as F1 Teams Fine-Tune 2026 Machinery
Formula 1's eleven teams are in the midst of crucial pre-season testing at the Bahrain circuit, with Day 3 bringing continued development work both in the garage and on the asphalt. Follow our live coverage as teams make final preparations ahead of the 2026 campaign, tracking all the key moments and off-track developments.
The third day of pre-season testing in Bahrain is well underway, with all 11 F1 teams pushing forward on their 2026 season preparations. Whether it's completing crucial on-track running or making strategic adjustments in the paddock, there's plenty of activity to monitor as we bring you comprehensive live coverage of the day's proceedings.
Stay tuned for updates covering every element of the action unfolding at the circuit and throughout the team enclosures as the teams work methodically through their testing programs ahead of the championship getting underway.
Original source
Formula1.com
Related Regulations
Hover over badges for quick summaries, or scroll down for full official text and simplified explanations.
Full Regulation Text
Article B11.2.7
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).
Article B11.2
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.
Article B11.1
General Provisions for Track Running Outside a Competition
Chapter: B
In Simple Terms
F1 teams must tell the FIA and other teams at least a week in advance before doing any official off-season testing or practice driving. They need to provide details about what car they're using, which drivers will be involved, where and when they're testing, and what they're trying to achieve. Teams can make changes to their plans up until 72 hours before the activity starts.
- Teams must notify the FIA and competitors at least 7 days before any testing or practice activities
- Required information includes car specs, driver names, activity type, dates, purpose, and venue details
- Notification deadlines can be adjusted up to 72 hours before the activity begins
- This applies to TPC (Testing of Previous Cars), PE (Promotional Events), and DE (Demonstration Events)
Official FIA Text
Competitors must inform FIA and other competitors of planned TPC, PE or DE at least seven days before commencement, amendable up to 72 hours before. Information required includes car specification, driver names, activity type, dates, purpose, and circuit/venue.
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