Formula 1's 2026 pre-season continues with the first of two three-day tests in Bahrain on February 11-13.

After the behind-closed-doors Barcelona 'shakedown', this is the first public pre-season test, with fans (for two of the days) and media able to attend.

Here's what you need to know about the test.

Who is taking part?

For the first time, all 11 teams will be testing their new cars on track in the first Bahrain test, as Williams skipped the Barcelona test.

The three-days-out-of-five allocation teams had at Barcelona also meant the highest number of cars taking to the track on the same day was eight, which happened on the final day.

It's highly likely teams will use their 2026 race drivers throughout in Bahrain, as there's such a steep learning curve with the brand-new cars and power units.

When is it on?

The first Bahrain test will take place on February 11-13, with the second test following a week later. The season-opening Australian Grand Prix is two weeks after that on March 6-8.

Each of the three Bahrain test days will run from 10am-7pm local time (7am-4pm UK time), with an unofficial lunch break at 2pm-3pm local time.

How can I watch?

While the Barcelona test took place behind closed doors with only short highlights posted on F1's own channels at the end of each of the five days, fans will be able to watch 2026 F1 action live for the first time in Bahrain.

But only the final hour of each test day will be streamed live across F1's broadcast partners, such as Sky Sports F1 in the UK.

You can buy tickets to watch the action in Bahrain, though tickets are only available for day two and three. Fans are not able to attend the first day of running on Wednesday.

You can follow live timing from the test throughout the three days on F1's website.

The Race will also have wall-to-wall coverage of all three days of the test across our website, podcasts, social media and YouTube channel.

And if you want in-depth, behind-the-scenes content from the Bahrain test, from our team on the ground, sign up to The Race Members' Club, where you can get exclusive podcasts and videos from the test - including our team's first trackside impressions of the cars.

Right now, you can claim your free seven-day trial here.

Bahrain test 1 schedule

Day 1 (Wednesday February 11) 10am-7pm
Day 2 (Thursday February 12) 10am-7pm
Day 3 (Friday February 13) 10am-7pm

*all times local (GMT+3 hours)