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Ferrari Dominates Final Bahrain Test Day as Leclerc Sets the Pace

Charles Leclerc demonstrated Ferrari's competitive strength during pre-season testing in Bahrain, clocking the quickest lap of the entire session. The Scuderia emerged from the final day of running with a commanding performance, establishing themselves nearly a full second ahead of their rivals.

Ferrari Dominates Final Bahrain Test Day as Leclerc Sets the Pace
Formula 1

As pre-season testing wrapped up in Bahrain, it was Ferrari who made the strongest final impression on the field. Charles Leclerc's commanding performance on the concluding day proved instrumental in the Scuderia's impressive showing, the Monégasque driver securing the fastest time across the entire testing program.

The significance of Ferrari's performance became immediately apparent, with the Italian outfit establishing a nearly one-second advantage over the rest of the grid. This decisive margin on Bahrain's final day of action underscored the team's considerable progress during the pre-season evaluation period, offering a strong indication of their competitive standing as the season approaches.

Leclerc's benchmark-setting lap exemplified the caliber of machinery and preparation Ferrari has brought to the table, positioning the team prominently among the sport's frontrunners heading into the campaign ahead.

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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 B11

FIA Source

TRACK RUNNING OUTSIDE A COMPETITION

Chapter: B

In Simple Terms

When F1 teams want to test their cars outside of official races (like in practice sessions, tire tests, or driver evaluation sessions), they must tell the FIA and other teams at least a week ahead of time. This ensures everyone knows about the testing activity and maintains fairness across the sport.

  • Teams must notify the FIA and competitors at least 7 days before any non-competition track running
  • Covers various testing types including TCC (Tire Compliance Check), TPC (Tire Performance Check), DE (Driver Evaluation), PE (Performance Evaluation), TMC (Tire Monitoring Check), and substitute driver tests
  • Applies to all track activity outside of official race competitions
  • Advance notification ensures transparency and equal knowledge among all competitors
Official FIA Text

Provisions for track running outside official competitions including TCC, TPC, DE, PE, TMC and substitute driver tests. Competitors must inform FIA and other competitors of planned activities at least seven days in advance.

track testingoff-season testingtire testingdriver evaluationadvance notification
2026 Season Regulations