Every thing you should find out about attending 2026 Components 1 pre-season testing at Bahrain Worldwide Circuit
Two pre-season assessments will happen in Bahrain forward of the 2026 F1 season, on February 11-13 and February 18-20
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With new technical laws coming into power forward of the 2026 Components 1 season, it’s been confirmed that two three-day check classes shall be held at Bahrain Worldwide Circuit. These assessments in Bahrain will happen in February 2026, following a non-public check at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain on January 26-30. The 2026 F1 season begins in Australia on March 5-8, earlier than Components 1 returns to Bahrain on April 10-12 for the fourth race of the brand new season.
It’s already confirmed that the second of the 2 pre-season assessments in Bahrain (on February 18-20) shall be open to the general public. Followers who bought discounted early-bird tickets for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix earlier than September 7 additionally acquired free entry to the pre-season check. It’s not but been introduced if the primary pre-season check in Bahrain on February 11-13 will even be open to the general public. Tickets are usually not but on sale for both of the pre-season check classes in Bahrain, however in recent times, inexpensive entry has been made out there for round $30 USD per day (solely the Important Grandstand was open, nonetheless). Circuit hospitality suites above the pits are additionally additionally anticipated to be out there for buy. This was priced at $1,449 USD per day throughout 2025 testing.
Why Attend Pre-Season Testing in Bahrain?
Attending F1 pre-season testing will place you among the many first individuals on this planet to see the brand new era of 2026 Components 1 automobiles on observe! After all, it’s referred to as testing for a purpose. Not all of the automobiles shall be on observe for the entire eight hours of every day’s operating. Some automobiles might endure reliability points which preserve them consigned to their garages. Not all the massive title drivers shall be taking to the observe in every session, although most groups alternate their full-time drivers between the morning and afternoon classes. Whereas not each lap shall be taken at full velocity or on the restrict of the automotive’s capabilities, F1 testing is a superb alternative to get near the automobiles, groups and drivers in a relaxed setting. If you happen to can’t make it to the observe for testing, you’ll nonetheless have the ability to observe all three days of motion stay throughout F1 TV and by way of F1’s world TV companions.
BIC Hospitality Lounge & Oasis Terrace
Hospitality tickets are offered with entry to a lounge above the pits with a viewing balcony, in addition to entry to the Oasis Terrace at Flip 10. Having skilled the Oasis Terrace firsthand (it’s additionally a part of Paddock Membership supply in the course of the Bahrain GP), we are able to safely say that this space – pictured under – is among the calendar’s best-kept trackside viewing secrets and techniques. Extremely really useful for getting near the automobiles, particularly in the event you like taking pictures.
F1 Pre-Season Testing Schedule
Begin and end instances haven’t but been confirmed for the 2 pre-season check classes in Bahrain forward of the 2026 F1 season. An instance of a earlier schedule for F1 testing in Bahrain is listed under for info functions:
11:00: Gates Open
10:00-14:00: Components 1 – Testing
14:00-15:00: Break with hospitality pit lane stroll
15:00-19:00: Components 1 – Testing
19:00: Gates Shut
Attending F1 Testing & the Bahrain Grand Prix
If you happen to’ve obtained the time, attending each F1 testing and the Bahrain Grand Prix is a good way to immerse your self on this planet of Components 1 because the season will get underway. It’s extra logistically difficult to try this in 2026 nonetheless, until you reside domestically. Quite than the Bahrain Grand Prix following one week after testing (which it did till 2024), it would as soon as once more be the fourth race of the brand new season some six weeks later. After the ultimate check session in Bahrain (February 18-20), the 2026 F1 season kicks off with races in Australia (March 5-8), China (March 13-15) and Japan (March 27-29) earlier than returning seven weeks later for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix (April 10-12).
Race weekend attendances on the Bahrain Grand Prix have been rising in recent times, although it’s nonetheless one of many lowest attended races on all the F1 calendar, and even much less individuals shall be trackside on the check classes. F1 Experiences packages are actually on sale for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, and race tickets are anticipated to go on sale quickly. Organizational points and prolonged queues that followers expertise at many higher attended races will not be a priority on the Bahrain Grand Prix, the place it’s simple to get to the circuit, you should purchase moderately priced tickets and lodging, and the racing underneath lights is continuously shut and thrilling.
