F1 teams confirm dates for 2016 in-season tests

Formula One teams have confirmed the dates of the two in-season tests that will take place in 2016 with Silverstone set to host a session after the British Grand Prix, F1i has learned.

While pre-season testing has been cut to eight days from 12 last winter, teams will still have four during the year. According to the regulations, they will once again have to field young drivers who have not started more than two grands prix in at least two of their allocated four days.

As last season, the first two-day test will take place at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 17/18, namely after the Spanish Grand Prix. However, the second session will not be held in Austria's Red Bull Ring but at the Home of British Motorsport on July 12/13.

Several pilots had the opportunity to sample F1 machinery for the first time during last year’s in-season tests, including Williams development driver Alex Lynn (pictured above), Red Bull protégé Pierre Gasly and Ferrari Driver Academy member Antonio Fuoco.

This year’s pre-season preparations comprise two four-day tests and will kick off on February 22 at the Spanish Grand Prix venue.

Honda exclusive Q&A: Realistic expectations for 2016

Feature: What happens on any given F1 Saturday?

Technical preview: What changes in 2016?

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Piastri explains management shake-up ahead of 2026 F1 season

As the countdown to 2026 gathers pace, Oscar Piastri has reshuffled his inner circle –…

33 mins ago

Aston Martin F1 secures naming rights in perpetuity amid turmoil

The Aston Martin F1 team will carry its name into Grand Prix racing’s future in…

2 hours ago

Vasseur encouraged as Ferrari hits mileage targets in Bahrain

Ferrari wrapped up a productive pre-season testing stint in Bahrain, leaving team principal Fred Vasseur…

16 hours ago

Antonelli sees fixes, Russell stumbles as Bahrain reveals issues

Mercedes’ pre-season testing in Bahrain wrapped up on Friday with a mix of promise and…

17 hours ago

Bahrain F1 testing: Day 6 in pictures

F1 pre-season testing reached its conclusion in Bahrain on Friday, and it’s now time for…

17 hours ago

Ferrari's Leclerc dominates final day of testing in Bahrain

Ferrari and Charles Leclerc ended the 2026 Bahrain pre-season testing on a high note, dominating…

18 hours ago