F1 teams now set for in-season testing

Manama : Following an epic Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday, Formula 1 action continues this week at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) with two days of in- season testing today and tomorrow.

These sessions are the first of two in-season tests this Formula 1 season with the other scheduled for August 1 and 2.

According to FIA regulations, from 10 days before the start of the season to the end of the calendar year, the teams are permitted to take part in two team tests of no more than two consecutive days at circuits where an event has just taken place. These tests must commence no less than 36 hours after the end of the said event.

Silverstone was initially lined up to host the second in-season group test, as in 2016, but this has now been switched to the Hungaroring, the final action before the sport’s summer break.

All 10 Formula 1 teams are testing at BIC and the action is from 9am to 6pm. It is still unknown who will be behind the wheel of their respective cars on both days.

Formula 1 teams are permitted to run one car during in-season running, while two of the four days must be allocated to drivers who have started fewer than two Grands
Prix.

This is also according to FIA rules, which state that two days of each in-season test must be allocated to young driver training. A young driver is classified as someone who has competed in two or fewer Grands Prix.

The in-season test in Bahrain will also help assist Formula 1 tyre suppliers Pirelli with warm weather tyre development.