F1 2027 pre-season testing — dates & start times
F1 2027 pre-season testing is a single 4-day test at the Bahrain International Circuit, 24–27 February 2027 — the only official test before the Bahrain Grand Prix opens the season on 14 March 2027. Here are the confirmed dates, a live countdown and the start time in your timezone.
The four test days
- Wed 24 Feb — day 1 of 4
- Thu 25 Feb — day 2 of 4
- Fri 26 Feb — day 3 of 4
- Sat 27 Feb — day 4 of 4
Start time in your timezone
The test runs during the working day at the Bahrain International Circuit (UTC+3). Once Formula 1 confirms the daily running hours, this table shows day one’s start in every major timezone; until then it lists the regions with the time to be confirmed — never a fabricated clock time.
| Region | City | Daily running hours (local) |
|---|---|---|
| US Pacific | Los Angeles | To be confirmed |
| US Central | Chicago & Austin | To be confirmed |
| US Eastern | New York | To be confirmed |
| Mexico | Mexico City | To be confirmed |
| Brazil (Brasília) | São Paulo | To be confirmed |
| Argentina | Buenos Aires | To be confirmed |
| UK & Ireland | London & Dublin | To be confirmed |
| Central Europe | Paris & Berlin | To be confirmed |
| Gulf (UAE) | Dubai & Abu Dhabi | To be confirmed |
| India | Mumbai & New Delhi | To be confirmed |
| Singapore | Kuala Lumpur & Manila | To be confirmed |
| Japan | Tokyo | To be confirmed |
| Eastern Australia | Sydney & Melbourne | To be confirmed |
What is F1 pre-season testing?
Pre-season testing is the only time all ten teams run their new cars on track together before the season starts. Over the 4 days the teams complete installation laps, aero and reliability programmes, long runs and race-simulation stints — the first real read on the pecking order after the winter. It is held at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, the same venue that opens the 2027 championship, so teams gather data at the exact track they race first.
The 2027 format: one four-day test
2027 has a single four-day test, 24–27 February 2027. That is a change from 2026, which ran three pre-season tests — a private five-day shakedown at Barcelona followed by two three-day Bahrain tests (11–13 and 18–20 February 2026). With the 2026 regulations now into their second year, the FIA settled on one longer Bahrain test, moving it from three to four days to give teams enough running on the current, more complex cars.
Testing leads straight into the season opener
The test ends on Saturday, 27 February 2027 and the season begins about two and a half weeks later with the 2027 Bahrain Grand Prix on 14 March 2027 — at the same circuit. See the full F1 2027 calendar, the 2027 driver line-up, or how to watch F1 wherever you are. Counting down to the new season at home: when does F1 start again?
F1 2027 pre-season testing — FAQ
When is F1 pre-season testing in 2027?
F1 2027 pre-season testing is a single 4-day test at the Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, 24–27 February 2027. It is the only official test before the season, which opens with the Bahrain Grand Prix on 14 March 2027 at the same circuit.
What time does F1 2027 testing start?
Formula 1 hasn't published the daily running hours for the 2027 test yet — it confirms them a few weeks beforehand, as it always does. This page shows the confirmed dates and a live countdown now, and fills in each day's start time in your timezone the moment the hours are released. It never shows an invented time.
How many pre-season tests are there in 2027?
Just one. The 2027 season has a single four-day test at the Bahrain International Circuit, down from three tests in 2026 (a private five-day Barcelona shakedown plus two three-day Bahrain tests). With the regulations into their second year, the FIA judged one four-day test sufficient.
Where is the 2027 F1 test held?
At the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir — the same track that opens the 2027 season with the Bahrain Grand Prix on 14 March, about two and a half weeks later.
How can I watch F1 2027 pre-season testing?
Pre-season testing is typically covered by Formula 1's official live timing and streamed on F1 TV, with highlights across the usual broadcasters. See how to watch F1 wherever you are for the options in your country.
2027 calendar last verified Wednesday, 7 October 2026. Source: Official Formula 1 2027 calendar (formula1.com/en/racing/2027, announced 16 September 2026) and the 2027 event pages for Madring, Portimão and Istanbul Park. Test dates are confirmed; daily running hours aren’t published yet. Unofficial; not affiliated with Formula 1.