The Formula 1 season for 2022 is just getting underway, as the teams hurtle towards the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The past few months have been full of drama in the F1 world - Lewis Hamilton's controversial defeat at the hands of Max Verstappen in December continues to divide fans, while the axing of Nikita Mazepin and the Russian GP have thrust the sport into the spotlight of international politics.
On top of all this, major rules and changes have fuelled massive intrigue, asking questions about what the season ahead will look like.
Read on for everything you need to know about the race timings and rule change before the season gets going.
When is practice for the Bahrain GP?
The three practice sessions took place on March 18. Practice one was scheduled in the morning, while sessions two and three took place at 12pm and 3pm.
Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel has been ruled out of the race weekend after testing positive for Covid-19.
When does Bahrain qualifying start?
Qualifying for the Grand Prix is set to kick off at 3pm on March 19, where drivers will battle it out for the best spot on the track possible.
Qualifying isn’t a head to head race, however, and is instead done through time trialling, where drivers will try to post the best lap time possible.
It is also an opportunity for any last-minute notes on the track or car before the next day’s race.
When does the Bahrain GP start?
The main event, the Bahrain GP, will start at 3pm on Sunday March 20.
The race will take place over 57 laps along the 3.36-mile Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir.
How can you watch the Bahrain GP?
The race will be beamed live on the Sky Sports F1 channel, as well as the Sky Sports Main Event channel.
Coverage for the race is due to begin at 1:30pm.
If you’re out and about, Sky Sports subscribers will also be able to catch the action on the SkyGo app.
If you aren’t lucky enough to have a Sky Sports subscription, Channel 4 will be showing highlights from 7:30pm.
What are the rule and car changes coming to Formula 1 in 2022?
The main changes coming to Formula 1 in 2022 are:
- Ground-effect floor - two long tunnels under the car create a ground effect sucking them to the floor.
- Simplified front wing and shorter rear wing - new wings are designed to stop airflow from being sent outwards. The rear wing is narrower and although does still have drag reduction system, may be less influential.
- 18-inch tyres with wheel winglets - bigger tyres should improve the handling of the cars and the winglets should keep air away from the rear wing.
The aim of the changes is to make wheel-to-wheel racing more exciting and more competitive. This is because the changes should make it easier to follow the car in front, which in turn should improve the potential for overtakes.
