P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Pre-season testing has been televised in recent years, but the first test of the new rules era will not be broadcast. Here is why.
“Formula 1 pre-season testing for the 2026 season begins today in Barcelona, featuring five days of running.
Teams will only have three days of track time each, and Ferrari has chosen to run on Tuesday, February 27th, and Thursday, February 29th, with the third day pending.
Unlike previous years, this year’s testing in Barcelona will not be broadcast live, and live timing will not be available to the public.
Each team will have the discretion to release information such as laps completed and lap times to the public.
In the UK, Sky Sports F1 will provide nightly coverage of the testing, but overall, there will be limited public information on the private shakedown at the Spanish Grand Prix venue.”
