Manama : Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’, is set to host the second official pre-season testing session ahead of the new 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, from Wednesday, February 18, to Friday, February 20.
The circuit has invited ticket holders of the Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 to attend the second pre-season testing session free of charge as part of its early bird offer, which was launched for those who purchased their tickets before 8 September last year. They will be able to enter free of charge on Thursday and Friday, 19 and 20 February. The circuit’s gates will be open to spectators on both testing days from 11am to 7pm.
BIC is organising a number of entertainment activities for fans and visitors attending the official testing. Highlights include F1 racing simulators, where participants can experience the thrill of racing, as well as activities such as ‘Get in the car, fasten your seatbelt and set off on a simulation journey’ and ‘Be the fastest driver on the simulator track’. There will also be interactive games, including a reaction speed challenge, a stick-catching challenge, and a ‘Complete the Challenge’ activity to refine coordination skills through the stick-catching game, offering a unique entertainment experience.
This year’s F1 pre-season testing marks the sixth consecutive year that Sakhir has been selected to host the sport’s most important preparation period ahead of the new world championship. Testing was first held in Bahrain in 2009 and then again in 2014. Since then, it has been held annually in Bahrain starting from 2021.
The event brings together all 11 Formula 1 teams and will offer the first opportunity for fans in Bahrain and around the world to see the brand-new Cadillac team, which joins McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull Racing, Williams, Haas, Racing Bulls, Aston Martin, Alpine and Audi at the pinnacle of motorsport.
Pre-season testing will pave the way for the new season, which begins two weeks later with the Australian Grand Prix, scheduled to take place from 6 to 8 March.
The season will then continue with races in China and Japan, before returning to Bahrain for the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix 2026, taking place from April 10 to 12 as the fourth round of the 24-race world championship.
