Circuit de Catalunya confirms F1 pre-season testing date changes

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has officially announced the dates for the two Formula 1 four-day pre-season tests in 2019 which begin on February 18^th.

Pre-season testing retains its traditional two-week stretch at the Spanish Grand Prix circuit as the only official F1 test days before the 2019 season gets underway at the Australian Grand Prix on March 17^th.

The first four-day test begins on February 18^th before the usual four-day break between the second pre-season test at the same venue which starts on February 26^th.

Pre-season testing concludes March 1^st leaving a two-week turnaround ahead of the season opener at Melbourne’s Albert Park.

F1’s pre-season tests have effectively been pushed forward by one week with the 2019 curtain-raiser in Australia having been moved a week earlier.

2018’s first pre-season test was truncated by snow at Circuit de Catalunya which could see F1 at risk to similar conditions next year having been moved forward one week along with cold temperatures at that time of year.

F1 had looked to move testing to warmer climates at Bahrain’s Sakhir International Circuit, to provide more representative conditions, but the idea was rejected due to high costs transporting team equipment and personnel to the Middle East.

All F1 teams are able to transport the bulk of its equipment by road to Circuit de Catalunya while also being able to fly in updates or spare parts quicker from their European-based factories.

Home is where the heart is!
#F1 Winter Test 2019 will be staged at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya!
18 February to 21 February // 26 February to 1 March #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/xg7aEE9KRS

— Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (@Circuitcat_eng) October 18, 2018