When is F1 testing? Dates, TV channel and driver schedule ahead of 2022 pre-season in Barcelona and Bahrain

The start of the 2022 Formula 1 season is almost upon us - with pre-season testing giving us the first glimpse of the 20 drivers and their new vehicles in action.

A pair of three-day events will provide an early view on which teams and drivers have got into gear following a major rule overhaul ahead of the new campaign.

All eyes will be on Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen as they prepare for another duel for the title, with that record eighth crown still firmly in the veteran Brit’s sights after his controversial defeat in Abu Dhabi.

But there is always the chance for an upset when the rulebook is shaken up as it has been, and McLaren and Ferrari will be determined to throw their name in the hat for a potential championship battle.

The first test will take place between February 23 and 25, 2022, at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain.

The track has typically hosted pre-season testing in recent, pre-pandemic years. It is favoured as a useful location to ensure dry weather and relatively easy access to the various team bases across Europe, with parts often flown or driven in at short notice.

The second test will take place between March 10 and 12 at Sakhir Circuit in Bahrain.

Gallery: Ferrari SF90 Stradale (motor1.com)

Again, the Middle Eastern track virtually guarantees good conditions for extensive running while the circuit will also host the season opener, on March 20.

F1 will allow media access to the first test in Barcelona but it will NOT be broadcast live. F1 will air their own daily round-up show after each day’s running.

The Bahrain F1 test will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports’ F1 channel. Sky Sports subscribers can also follow via the Sky Go app.

The teams will release their full driver schedule