How to watch the pre-season testing: Free, online, live stream and F1 TV

Pre-season testing

How to watch the pre-season testing: Free, online, live stream and F1 TV

How to follow the three-days of pre-season testing

Sam Hall

Thursday 11 March 2021 15:44

Formula 1 pre-season testing is almost upon us and here are all the details you need to know about how to watch the action unfold from where you live.

Pre-season testing will take place across a three-day period this year instead of the six days of last year in a bid to reduce costs in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The running will take place in Bahrain, the same location as the season-opening race. The decision, again, was made for financial reasons with the running originally due to take place in Spain.

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With less track time available - just one-and-a-half days per driver - the track is likely to be busy at all times as teams get to grips with the 2021 machinery which, despite featuring a large amount of commonality with the cars of last year, run with significantly reduced downforce levels.

WHEN IS PRE-SEASON TESTING?

The on-track schedule for all three days is identical with eight hours of action per day.

Morning: 10:00-14:00 local time (07:00-11:00 GMT, 02:00-06:00 EST) Afternoon: 15:00-19:00 local time (12:00-16:00 GMT, 07:00-11:00 EST)

HOW CAN I WATCH PRE-SEASON TESTING IN THE UK?

All three days of testing from Bahrain will be broadcast live on Sky Sports' dedicated F1 channel. Customers who subscribe to Sky Sports F1 can also watch all the action on the move thanks to the Sky Go app.

Alternatively, you can purchase a NOW TV Day Pass for just £9.99 to watch all of Sky Sports' coverage on your smart TV, mobile device, tablet or computer.

IS PRE-SEASON TESTING ON CHANNEL 4?

No. There is no coverage of pre-season testing that will be available on Channel 4.

Across the season, only the British Grand Prix will be broadcast live on the channel with highlights of the remaining 22-races available soon after the race has reached its conclusion.

HOW CAN I WATCH PRE-SEASON TESTING IN THE USA?

ESPN is not broadcasting pre-season testing live although it continues to hold the broadcasting rights in the USA and will show all 23-races live to subscribers.

HOW CAN I WATCH PRE-SEASON TESTING IN AUSTRALIA?

Neither Fox Sports nor Kayo is broadcasting pre-season testing live although the network continues to hold the broadcasting rights in Australia and will show all 23-races live to subscribers.

HOW CAN I WATCH PRE-SEASON TESTING IN CANADA?

TSN is not broadcasting pre-season testing live although it continues to hold the broadcasting rights in Canada and will show all 23-races live to subscribers.

HOW CAN I WATCH PRE-SEASON TESTING ON F1 TV PRO?

F1 TV Pro, with exclusive camera angles and live coverage of every session, is available to fans in multiple territories.

Check F1's official website to see if F1 TV Pro is available in your location. You will need to pay a fee to subscribe, rates vary depending on locations.

F1 TV Pro is available on most PC operating systems, as well as many mainstream tablet and mobile providers – for a list of all suitable devices, click here.

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