'Barcelona likely to return as test site, but not in 2025'
F1 News
- Ludo van Denderen
It was extremely convenient this season: the Bahrain circuit was the setting for the first Grand Prix and therefore ideally suited to serve as the test venue for the ten F1 teams. Although the first race of the 2025 season will take place in Melbourne, Australia, it is planned that next year's test will also take place there. So again, no Barcelona, but the Circuit de Catalunya does not appear to be completely dismissed.
For years, the track near Barcelona was where Formula 1 started the season. The track's characteristics make it ideal for a test; with a long straight, a sizeable braking zone before Turn 1, fast turnarounds, high-speed corners and a slow sector. If a car does well in Barcelona, it usually does well everywhere else.
No Bahrain in 2026
So when the new generation of F1 cars see the light of day in 2026, the Spanish track will be ideal to see how each team fares. According to Motorsport.com, it is "very likely" that Formula 1 will therefore choose not to travel to Bahrain for test days in '26, instead returning to Spain.
So, as indicated, 2025 will almost certainly see testing in Bahrain. The three test days are scheduled for February 26 to 28. The bolides will then be flown back to their factories in England, Italy and Switzerland, before making the crossing to Australia.