Why first F1 2022 test will be more private than usual
The first test of Formula 1’s new era will be far lower-key than fans have been used to in recent yers, with no live timing or TV coverage
Formula 1 has officially confirmed its 2022 pre-season testing dates, with two three-day tests taking place in Barcelona and Bahrain – and the first of them officially regarded as a ‘shakedown’ and held largely in private.
The 2022 Formula 1 cars built to all-new technical regulations will run in public for the first time at Barcelona on February 23-25.
The second test will take place in Bahrain on March 10-12 prior to the season-opening grand prix at the Sakhir circuit, which takes place on March 20.
These dates have long been expected to be used for testing, although there had been some debate about extending the available test days given the steep learning curve expected with the new cars.
The Barcelona test will not feature any live timing or television coverage supplied by F1 – although The Race’s team will be on the ground to bring you all the latest news.
In Bahrain, there will be television coverage and live timing as teams take the final opportunity to fettle their cars before the season starts.
In addition to the six pre-season test days, teams also have the opportunity to use one or both of their permitted promotional days of running on which up to 100km can be completed using demo tyres.
A number of teams are expected to use this opportunity to shake down their car ahead of testing, although plans are fluid given the tight lead times for building up the new cars.
