Formula 1 Pre-Season Testing Begins in Bahrain as Teams Prepare for New Technical Era

Sakhir, Bahrain: Following last week’s shakedown sessions in Barcelona, the 2026 Formula 1 pre-season testing programme officially gets underway on Wednesday, February 11, marking the first major on-track running under the sport’s new technical regulations.

The Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir will host six days of testing, split across two three-day sessions. The first test runs from February 11 to 13, followed by a second session from February 18 to 20, giving teams valuable track time to better understand their all-new cars ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Cars will be permitted to run daily from 10:00–14:00 and 15:00–19:00 local time, maximising on-track opportunities across both sessions.

Tyre Allocation and Compound Strategy

Tyre supplier Pirelli has confirmed that all slick compounds will be available across the six test days, though not simultaneously.

During the first pre-season test (February 11–13), teams will have access only to the C1, C2 and C3 slick compounds. Each team may use a maximum of 28 sets of dry-weather tyres, with one additional set of Cinturato Intermediate tyres available if required.

For the second test session (February 18–20), the full range of slick tyres from C1 to C5 will be available. Teams will be limited to 24 sets during this phase, with no wet-weather tyres supplied. However, teams may carry over unused or lightly used tyre sets from the first session, provided they have completed no more than nine laps.

As per regulations, teams retain flexibility in selecting the number of sets per compound, within the overall allocation limits and compound-selection rules.

Updated Tyre Identification System for Testing

To assist teams, media, and fans in identifying compounds during testing, Pirelli will implement a special tyre marking system, exclusive to pre-season running.

• C1 and C2: White logos
• C3 and C4: Yellow logos
• C5: Red logos

Additionally, the C1, C3 and C5 tyres will feature a chequered-flag banding on the sidewall, while the C2 and C4will display only the standard Pirelli and P Zero branding.

During the opening three days, when only C1, C2 and C3 are in use, teams will therefore run two white-marked compounds and one yellow-marked compound. The C2 can be distinguished from the C1 by the absence of sidewall banding, while the C3 will carry both yellow markings and banding.

Pirelli confirmed that this identification system is exclusive to pre-season testing and will not be used during Formula 1 race weekends.

Crucial Mileage Ahead of the 2026 Season

With brand-new cars, revised aerodynamics, and updated regulations in play, the Bahrain tests are expected to be a critical benchmark for teams as they assess reliability, performance, and tyre behaviour before competitive action begins.

The six-day test programme represents the final major preparation phase before teams head to Melbourne for the 2026 Formula 1 season opener.