The Bahrain International Circuit is preparing to welcome the future stars of motorsport as Formula 2 and Formula 3 teams descend upon the desert track for crucial in-season testing.
Following the initial races of their respective championships, these sessions offer teams invaluable opportunities to refine car setups, experiment with new strategies, and allow drivers to further acclimatize to their machinery. With both series set to return to Sakhir later in the season, the data gathered during these tests could prove pivotal in the chase for championship glory.
On Track: Schedule and Pirelli Tire Info
From March 26-28, both Formula 2 and Formula 3 teams descend on the Bahrain International Circuit for crucial in-season testing. For Formula 2, fresh off an unpredictable Melbourne weekend, teams will have two sessions daily, from 12:30 to 15:00 and 18:30 to 21:00, battling it out under the floodlights to master the five sets of hard and three sets of soft Pirelli tires.
Meanwhile, Formula 3 teams, still buzzing from Rafael Câmara’s Feature Race victory in Melbourne, will also have two sessions, running from 09:30 to 12:00 and 15:15 to 17:45. Pirelli is providing each F3 car with eight sets of hard tires and three sets of wet tires.
Key Testing Focuses and Storylines
The Sakhir tests present several key opportunities for teams in both Formula 2 and Formula 3. For F2 teams, this test provides valuable time to work out which setups are best for tire degradation and how to get the most out of their drivers, as many have changed teams.
F3 is different, as teams will focus on rookie surges with the top three in the Drivers’ Standings being made up entirely of rookies with Rafael Câmara leading Van Amersfoort Racing’s Théophile Nael and TRIDENT teammate Noah Stromsted. They will also want to use this opportunity to gather information about the new Formula 3 car.
Formula 2: Teams and Drivers to Watch
As the Formula 2 season progresses, several teams and drivers have emerged as potential frontrunners, making their performance during the Sakhir test a key indicator of their ambitions. 2025 kicked off with an eventful opening weekend. Joshua Dürksen secured the first win in the Sprint Race, outmaneuvering pole-sitter Leonardo Fornaroli, who finished second. Luke Browning completed the podium, while Roman Staněk finished fifth.
As the paddock heads to Bahrain, teams like Invicta Racing, Prema Racing, and ART Grand Prix will be crucial in refining their setups. Invicta Racing, with Fornaroli and Staněk, showed strong pace in Melbourne, while Prema Racing’s new lineup of Gabriele Minì and Sebastian Montoya will aim to build on their early performances. ART Grand Prix, featuring Victor Martins, will also be a team to watch as they seek to maximize their performance under both daylight and floodlit conditions in Bahrain.
Formula 3: Contenders Prepare for the Challenges Ahead
The Formula 3 championship remains a hotbed for young talent, and the 2025 season is no exception. Trident arrives in Sakhir with momentum on its side, as Rafael Câmara leads the Drivers’ Championship. Teammate Noah Stromsted will also look to continue his strong start to the season. Van Amersfoort Racing, with Théophile Naël, will be aiming to close the gap to the championship leader, while Santiago Ramos seeks to maximize his car’s potential. Noel León, now with PREMA Racing, has a strong track record at Sakhir and will be eager to extract maximum performance from his new machine.
As the teams adapt to the new F3 car, the Sakhir test will provide a valuable opportunity to gather data and refine setups for the races ahead.
How to Follow the Action
Motorsport enthusiasts can follow the F2 and F3 in-season testing from Sakhir through official channels. The FIA Formula 3 website will provide end-of-day reports, including driver reactions, following the conclusion of each day’s running. The FIA Formula 2 website will have the same kind of content.
Moreover, both series offer live timing during the sessions. These will provide you with access to each session as it happens, as the teams continue to get to grips with the new car. Also, both series will be active on their social media channels, offering insight and content.
Featured Image Credit: Dutch Photo Agency
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