Formula 1 has confirmed its 2022 pre-season testing schedule, with three days of running at Barcelona kicking off the action in February and followed by another three-day program in Bahrain in March.
F1's ten teams will roll out their 2022 designs onto the pitlane at the Circuit de Catalunya on Wednesday, February 23 and shake down their cars over three sessions in Spain where hopefully the weather won't wreak havoc on proceedings as was the case in 2018.
Unfortunately for F1 fans, contrary to previous years, the three days of track-running at Barcelona won't feature live TV coverage by broadcasters, or even live timing, although content and best lap times will be posted at the end of the day.
The low-key debut will then be followed by three days of 'official' testing in Bahrain on March 10-12, with fans in attendance at Sakhir, live timing and live TV coverage delivered by broadcasters.
To facilitate logistics, teams will remain on site after testing in Bahrain for the opening round of the 2022 F1 World Championship that will take place on March 20, while everyone will also return to Barcelona in may for the Spanish Grand Prix.
From 18-inch wheels to the return of ground effects and to many other changes, this year's radical new designs will usher in a new era for Formula 1, with closer racing and a more level playing field the desired outcome.
Fans will get a first superficial look at the new challengers in just two weeks when teams kick off their presentations and pull the covers of their 2022 cars, with Aston Martin currently on pole as the first outfit to unveil its new car on February 10.
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