Source:
REUTERS/HAMAD I MOHAMMED
[Saba
Sports News] The F1 pre-season test race is conducted to gather data and make
adjustments before the start of the season. The recent pre-season testing took
place from February 21st to 23rd at the Bahrain International Circuit, which is
also the opening venue for the 2024 season. During the test period, the track
is open from 10:00 to 19:30 local time, with a break period between 14:15 and
15:15. Each team has approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes of track time to
install various test modes and auxiliary equipment on the car to collect data.
This data serves as a reference for making adjustments and improvements. Based
on previous years’ data, teams aim to complete a minimum of 100 laps per day,
assuming there are no major accidents that lead to prolonged track closures.
Teams have the flexibility to assign their test drivers or reserve drivers to
participate in the test races. However, each team can only use one car per day,
except in cases where special considerations such as contractual obligations or
promotional activities are involved. Generally, teams primarily focus on
testing the output power and stability of the updated power unit during the
pre-season testing. They aim to identify any potential issues that may not have
been detected during previous ignition tests or assembly tests conducted during
the power unit’s initial long-distance operations.