FORMULA 1 ARAMCO PRE-SEASON TESTING 2025

Formula 1 Aramco Pre-Season Testing Schedule 2025

26 FEB

Day 1
12:30 - 21:30

SYNC TO CALENDAR

27 FEB

Day 2
12:30 - 21:30

SYNC TO CALENDAR

28 FEB

Day 3
12:30 - 21:30

SYNC TO CALENDAR

About the Event

Formula 1 Aramco Testing - Introduction

Formula 1 Aramco Pre-Season Testing is an official pre-season test session that takes place before the beginning of the F1 season. Here, the teams test their new vehicles in actual race conditions before the actual race begins. This testing session is organized at the Bahrain International Circuit. It is important in evaluating aerodynamics, tyre behaviour, reliability, and general race tactics. It is an opportunity for engineers and drivers to gather valuable information to perfect their setups ahead of the initial Grand Prix. Fans and analysts also closely follow testing to gain early insights into team performances and potential championship contenders.

History and Legacy of Aramco Pre-Season Testing

Pre-season testing has been an integral part of Formula 1 for many years, progressing from unlimited private tests to strictly regulated, limited test sessions. Earlier the teams used to test at multiple circuits but due to financial considerations it now takes place as centralized test sessions. Bahrain has hosted pre-season tests since 2021. Excellent weather, current facilities, and circuit conditions create perfect conditions to test speed and reliability. Aramco is a global energy leader and partnered with this event as the title sponsor, showing its concern for innovation and sustainability in the world of motorsports. Year by year, pre-season testing has been the key to defining F1 seasons, offering insights about both unassailable cars and unexpected technical issues before the actual race happens.

Bahrain International Circuit

First Grand Prix 2004

Number of Laps 45

Circuit Length 5.412 km

Race Distance 0 km

Lap Record

1:31.447 Pedro de la Rosa (2005)

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC)

The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) is located in Sakhir, Bahrain. It is a famous race track that has hosted the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix and F1 Aramco Pre-Season Testing. BIC has been the Middle East's first F1 circuit and one of the premier highlights of the sport's international calendar since the day it opened in 2002. Besides Formula 1 races, BIC also hosts endurance racing, GT events, and regional motorsport competitions.

When Was The Track Built?

The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) was built in December 2002 to bring Formula 1 to the Middle East. This 5.4km circuit was built by the famous architect Hermann Tilke and was completed in 16 months. This circuit is built in the middle of the desert, one of the most unusual locations on the F1 calendar.

When Was Its First Grand Prix held?

The first Bahrain Grand Prix was held on April 4, 2004, making a historic moment as the first Formula 1 race in the Middle East. Michael Schumacher won the race, consolidating Bahrain's position in the history books of motorsport.

Circuit Layout & Features

The circuit has a 5.412 km layout with 15 turns and various DRS zones, offering an action-packed racing and overtaking experience. The circuit features -

15 Turns & 3 DRS Zones - Ideal for overtaking and high-speed racing.
Desert Surroundings - The track’s location in the desert brings challenges like sand on the surface, affecting grip levels.
Floodlit Racing - One of the most stunning night race venues in F1.
World-Class Facilities - The circuit features pit garages, grandstands, and hospitality areas.

Why Visit?

Bahrain's circuit configuration offers thrilling races offering some real racing excitement to the viewers. Apart from this, you can even attempt racing at the Bahrain International Karting Circuit, which is among the world's best karting circuits located just near the main circuit. Right from the dune bashing to viewing the futuristic capital city, Manama, you can have fun watching the races.

Where is the best place to see it?

In Bahrain, there are not too many viewing options since the organizers do not want to make the fans uncomfortable and send them out into the scorching desert. The Batelco Grandstand is also a good option, as you get a direct view of cars accelerating into Turn 8, attacking Turns 9 and 10, and then speeding down towards Turn 11. The grandstand for Turns 1 and 2 is also a fantastic location where you get ample overtaking activity on both circuits.