F1 2026: Here’s When, Where and How to Watch Second 2026 Bahrain Pre-season Test in India
Final F1 2026 Bahrain pre-season test runs this week. This will be the final time where teams will check their cars and systems for any problems before round one in Australia.
By Divyam Dubey
-1770873779151.webp "F1 2026 Audi Bahrain Pre Season Test (1)")
The second 2026 Formula 1 Bahrain pre-season test runs from February 18 to 20 at the Bahrain International Circuit, and it’s the final track action before the Australian Grand Prix. This test also comes with an important broadcast change, so viewers can follow more of the running live from Sakhir. Over three days, teams will pack in long runs, qualifying simulations and reliability work as they try to lock in their set-ups. Every lap counts now as squads chase data and drivers push to get comfortable in cars that still have plenty of unanswered questions before the season begins.
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Pre-season work started with a low-key shakedown in Barcelona at the end of January, with no media in attendance and very little information coming out. Teams then moved to Bahrain for the first three-day test last week, using the Sakhir circuit to check systems, cooling and early performance. Splitting testing into two blocks gives engineers time to fix issues and try different run plans before the final push.
This second Bahrain test is effectively the dress rehearsal before Melbourne. Fuel loads, tyre runs and race simulations will start to show who looks quick and who still has work to do. The 2026 rules reset means the order is still wide open, and Sakhir should finally give a clearer picture before the lights go out in Australia.
2026 F1 Second Bahrain Pre-Season Test: Timings in India
Wednesday, February 18
2026 F1 Bahrain Pre-Season Test Day 1: 12:30 PM
Thursday, February 19
2026 F1 Bahrain Pre-Season Test Day 2: 12:30 PM
Friday, February 20
2026 F1 Bahrain Pre-Season Test Day 3: 12:30 PM
2026 F1 Second Bahrain Pre-Season Test: Where to Watch?
F1 fans in India can watch the 2026 Bahrain pre-season test live on FanCode, Tata Play, and F1 TV Pro. While pre-season testing has been fully broadcast in previous years, the coverage for this first three-day block in Bahrain has been scaled back.
Only the final hour of each day will be broadcast live. However, full day-to-night coverage is expected to return for the second test next week, ensuring fans don't miss any of the build-up to the season opener.
