*** ----> Formula 1 testing roars into action! | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Formula 1 testing roars into action!

TDT | Manama                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com   

Formula 1 Aramco Pre-Season Testing 2023 roars into action today at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir.

F1’s star drivers and teams will be busy over three full days of running as they gear up for the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, which flags off 3 to 5 March with the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

The tests will be held from 10am to 2pm and from 3pm to 7.30pm on all three days. The teams will be allowed to run only one car at a time.

Almost all of F1’s 2023 contenders will be hitting the track for the Bahrain tests.

Aston Martin announced earlier this week that Lance Stroll will be missing pre-season testing after sustaining an injury while training.

Fernando Alonso will thus take to the wheel of the team’s AMR23 alongside Aston Martin reserve driver and 2022 Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich.

Defending world champions Red Bull Racing will see back-toback drivers' title winner Max Verstappen in their R B 1 9 with Sergio Perez, while top challengers Ferrari will have Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in their SF-23 and Mercedes will see Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in the cockpit of their F1 W14 challenger.

Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon will share duties in their A523, while Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will be testing McLaren’s MCL60.

For Alfa Romeo, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are set to get behind the wheel of the team’s C43, while Haas will see Kevin Magnussen and the returning Nico Hulkenberg take turns in the VF-23.

The field is completed by Yuki Tsunoda and Nyck de Vries testing in AlphaTauri’s AT04, and Alexander Albon and Logan Sargeant for Williams in their FW45.

Fans will be able to watch the action on testing’s final two days tomorrow and Saturday, with Thursday’s sessions being held behind closed doors.

article-image

Those who are eager to get a first glimpse of the 2023 cars in action can purchase their tickets to the tests at BD5 per day and at half the price at BD2.5 each for children aged 3 to 12.

Those who bought their F1 tickets before 1 February have free access to testing for both days.

Tickets will be available at the gate or can be purchased today at bahraingp.com or by calling the BIC Hotline on +973- 17450000.

All those attending the F1 pre-season tests will be able to follow the action from BIC’s Main Grandstand, which overlooks the F1 Pit Lane, the teams’ garages and the circuit’s main straight.

Gates will be open from midday to 7pm on both open days. BIC is also offering a special Paddock Club experience for testing, with incredible hospitality, cuisine and the best view in the house.

article-image

Those interested in the Paddock Club package should e-mail corporate@bic. com.bh.

The F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2023 follows just a week after the tests.

The race weekend will feature three days of top-class motorsport, complemented by plenty of entertaining attractions that include roaming acts, stage shows, carnival rides, kids’ activities, and a pair of concerts featuring A-list artists DJ Snake and Craig David.

Tickets to the region’s biggest event continue to sell fast and only a limited number remain available, along with a pair of hospitality options.

BIC is therefore urging fans to purchase their tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Tickets and hospitality packages can be bought online at BIC’s official website bahraingp. com or by calling the BIC Hotline on +973-17-450000.