F1 Barcelona testing 2022: Fastest times, driver schedule, dates and how can I watch on TV?

Testing is underway for the 2022 Formula One season with Charles Leclerc quickest in the morning session of day one in Barcelona.

Two tests will take place before the first Grand Prix in Bahrain, with this the first opportunity for fans to get a look at the new cars following a major rule overhaul.

Plenty of attention will also be paid to Lewis Hamilton following his Abu Dhabi heartbreak. Having declared himself ready to fight for a record eighth title against reigning champion Max Verstappen, any early signs of superiority will no doubt be pored over.

And then there is the chance for an unexpected frontrunner to emerge, perhaps McLaren or Ferrari, with this season holding plenty of intrigue for fans.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the Barcelona test...

The F1 pre-season begins on Wednesday, February 23 and Friday, February 25.

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya hosts the three-day event.

Each day begins at 8am GMT and the chequered flag will be waved at 5pm GMT, with a one-hour lunch pause at noon to break up the morning and afternoon sessions.

TV channel: The first test, unlike the second, will not be shown live via any broadcaster.

Highlights: The official F1 channel will deliver a nightly highlights review show after each day’s running.

Day 1 schedule

Mercedes: George Russell (AM), Lewis Hamilton (PM)

Red Bull: Max Verstappen

Ferrari: Charles Leclerc (AM), Carlos Sainz (PM)

McLaren: Lando Norris

Alpine: Fernando Alonso

AlphaTauri: Yuki Tsunoda

Aston Martin: Sebastian Vettel (AM), Lance Stroll (PM)

Williams: Nicholas Latifi (AM), Alex Albon (PM)

Alfa Romeo: Robert Kubica (AM), Valtteri Bottas (PM)

Haas: Nikita Mazepin (AM), Mick Schumacher (PM)

Combined morning and afternoon times, day one

1. Leclerc,