Shanghai Prepares for Practice Action: Complete Guide to Friday's Chinese Grand Prix Sessions
Formula 1 returns to the Shanghai International Circuit today as the 2026 season's second event gets underway. Drivers will take to the track for the first time this year during Friday's practice sessions on March 13. Here's everything you need to know about viewing the day's on-track action.
The 2026 F1 calendar moves into its second weekend with practice commencing today at the Shanghai International Circuit. Friday, March 13, marks the beginning of track activity at the Chinese venue, providing teams and drivers their initial opportunity to sample conditions and gather data for the weekend ahead.
This will be the first occasion this season that the grid experiences Shanghai's challenging layout, making Friday's running particularly significant for setup optimization and baseline performance assessment.
Original source
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Related Regulations
Hover over badges for quick summaries, or scroll down for full official text and simplified explanations.
Full Regulation Text
Article B2.1.2
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.
- FP1 is held on the first day of track running
- Session duration is exactly 1 hour
- Used for initial setup testing and track familiarization
- Alternative format option for weekend structure
Official FIA Text
One 1-hour free practice session (FP1) on first day of track running.
Article B1.3.6
Officials - Communication Requirements
Chapter: ARTICLE B1: ORGANISATION OF A COMPETITION
In Simple Terms
When cars are allowed on the track, the Race Director must stay in constant radio contact with the Clerk of the Course and the Stewards chairman to ensure everything runs smoothly. The Clerk of the Course also maintains radio communication with all the marshal posts around the circuit to coordinate safety and monitor the race.
- Race Director maintains mandatory radio contact with Clerk of the Course and Stewards chairman during track activity
- Clerk of the Course operates from Race Control and communicates with marshal posts via radio
- This communication network ensures coordinated decision-making and safety throughout the race
- Radio contact is required whenever cars are permitted on track
Official FIA Text
Race Director in radio contact with clerk of the course and Stewards chairman when cars permitted on track. Clerk of the Course in Race control and radio contact with marshal posts.
Article C1.1
Formula One World Championship
Chapter: ARTICLE C1: GENERAL PRINCIPLES
In Simple Terms
The FIA (motorsport's governing body) runs the Formula 1 World Championship, which is their property. The championship awards two titles each year: one to the best driver and one to the best team (constructor). It's made up of all the races on the F1 calendar throughout the season.
- The FIA owns and organizes the entire F1 World Championship
- Two world titles are awarded annually: Driver's Championship and Constructor's Championship
- The championship consists of all official Formula One Grand Prix races scheduled on the F1 calendar
- F1 is a competition between both individual drivers and their teams
Official FIA Text
The FIA will organise the FIA Formula One World Championship which is the property of the FIA and comprises two titles of World Champion, one for drivers and one for constructors. It consists of the Formula One Grand Prix races included in the Formula One calendar.
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