2023 F1 testing to offer first sight of new cars
Prior to the running of the 74th Formula 1 championship, it’s at testing where we’ll glimpse which teams might catch Max
At the 2022 pre-season test in Bahrain the idea of Lewis Hamilton not winning a single race all year was unthinkable
Grand Prix Photo
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Preparation for the upcoming season will start with an official three days of winter testing at Bahrain International Circuit – a week before the opening race at the same venue. The main talking points at Bahrain will, of course, surround the championship picture after 2022 saw total domination from Max Verstappen.
His 15 victories broke the record for the most wins in a season which helped the Red Bull driver clinch his second world championship with four rounds to spare. There was a close fight with Ferrari at the start of the season, but the Scuderia’s form faded away as the year went on.
For Mercedes, meanwhile, initially they were nowhere to be seen. A Q1 exit for Lewis Hamilton in Saudi Arabia highlights that, but towards the end of 2022 the Silver Arrows came strong. So much so that George Russell won at the penultimate weekend in Brazil where the pace shown by Ferrari and Red Bull was no match for Mercedes.
Therefore, the eight-time constructors’ champions are optimistic that they can continue that momentum into 2023 and reignite the intense, no-holds-barred title fight with Red Bull of 2021. So, testing will offer fans the first opportunity to see all of that unfold and gain an idea of who looks strong heading into the year. In addition, it’ll be a great way to see the exciting new car liveries take to the track for the first time.
New F1 drivers for 2023 include 21-year-old American Logan Sargeant at Williams
Williams Racing
It will also present a chance for drivers to settle in with their new teams. Pierre Gasly switches teams to Alpine, Fernando Alonso will drive for Aston Martin in his 20th season, while there will be the F1 debuts of Oscar Piastri at McLaren and Logan Sargeant with Williams. But, to the dismay of many fans, it will all be without Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo. Nonetheless it promises to be an exciting season with all of that and more in store for Bahrain.
Classic Rally – Winter Challenge to Monte Carlo
France/Monaco, February 5-9
With competitors tackling more than 1200 miles over a five-day period, this is the ultimate French classic rally. Starting in the northern city of Troyes, drivers are then taken through the French mountains, into the rural villages, all en route to glamorous Monaco with machinery dating back to the 1960s.
WRC – Rally Sweden
Västerbotten County, Sweden, February 9-12
After the opening round in Monaco the WRC will head to snowy Sweden for 165 miles on the white stuff. It is the only WRC event on snow and last year was won by would-be world champion Kalle Rovanperä – the man to beat.
Formula E – Hyderabad ePrix
Hyderabad, India, February 11
Formula E will visit India for the first time with a race in the streets of Hyderabad. Drivers face a 1¾ mile circuit with 17 corners – high- and low-speed – accompanied by long straights. It’s the fourth round of the season.
NASCAR – Daytona 500
Daytona Beach, USA, February 19
The 75th season of NASCAR racing starts with the famous Daytona 500. With 500 miles around the speedway, it’s a race and a festival rolled into one. Joey Logano will arrive as the defending champion after clinching his second title in an exhilarating ’22 season, which had a record-equalling 19 different winners.
Superbike World Championship – Australia
Phillip Island, Australia, February 24-26
Last season saw Álvaro Bautista win the Superbike World Championship with a weekend to spare. The defence of his crown will commence in Australia which starts the season in a double- header with Indonesia. What lies ahead is a very fast 12-turn circuit on the island not far from Melbourne.
More events
Feb 3-5 Bathurst 12 Hour – Mount Panorama Circuit, NSW, Australia
Feb 11 Snetterton Stage Rally, UK
Feb 11-12 Dubai 4 Hours, UAE