Manama, February 12 (BNA): The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) is set to host three full days of pre-season testing this week for the FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3 Championships.
The two main Formula 1 feeder series, featuring the motor racing stars of tomorrow, will hit the runway from Tuesday 14th February to Thursday 16th February for joint sessions.
They will warm up the track at the ‘Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’ in preparation for the start of their 2023 seasons, taking place as part of the premium support program at this year’s Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix from March 3-5.
The tests will take place along the 5,412-kilometre Grand Prix circuit at the Bahrain International Circuit.
On each of the three days, the time for tracks F2 and F3 will alternate. F3 will be first to go for the test in the morning from 9am to 11:30am, and then again in the afternoon from 2.30pm to 5pm. The F2 schedule will be on track from 11.45am to 2.15pm and then again from 5.15pm to 7.45pm on all days.
This week’s running is crucial for the F2 and F3 teams and seasoned pilots, as it will be their only on track run before their next campaigns.
F2 is the last rung on the ladder to F1, with many drivers who have graduated from F2 now starring in the top flight. They include Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, Mercedes’ George Russell, McLaren’s Lando Norris, Williams’ Alexander Albon, AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda and Alfa Romeo’s Zoe Guanio, along with McLaren’s upcoming Oscar Piastri and AlphaTauri’s Nick de Vries.
All 11 F2 teams, each with two cars, will undergo testing, including defending champions MP Motorsport, Carlin, ART Grand Prix, Prema Racing, Hitech Grand Prix, Dams, Virtuosi Racing, PHM Racing by Charouz, Trident, Van Amersfoort Racing and Campos Racing.
Meanwhile, F3 is also a one-make class and is the third official “Road to F1” class.
The series’ ten teams make for a 30-car grid, and they’ll all be at the BIC this week. The field includes reigning team champions Prema Racing, who will take on Trident, ART Grand Prix Racing, MB Motorsport, Hitec Grand Prix, Van Amersvoort Racing, Carlin, Campus Racing, Jenzer Motorsport and BHM Racing by Charoz.
F2 and F3 will each run two races over the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, along with practice and qualifying. Both Sprint Races series will take place on Saturday with feature races to follow on Sunday, while practice and qualifying are scheduled for Friday.
The 2023 F2 season is scheduled to feature 14 rounds, starting in Bahrain and ending in November in Abu Dhabi, while the 2023 F3 Championship will consist of 10 rounds, starting at BIC and ending in September at Monza.
A number of F2 and F3 talents are young drivers currently with F1 teams, and will be able to showcase their skills to a global audience which includes the F1 community they hope to impress.
At the Bahrain Grand Prix, F2 and F3 will be joined in the support program by Porsche Sprint Challenge Middle East.
For more information on the sports and entertainment scene, or to purchase tickets or hospitality options, visit bahraingp.com or call the BIC hotline at +973-17450000.
M