Here’s a look at the 2023 Bahrain GP preview, schedule, live stream details and our predictions for the season opener in Sakhir
Formula One is back this weekend and it promises to be an enthralling season. Bahrain is set to host the opening race of the season once again and this is the 19th edition of this historic Grand Prix. Bahrain made its debut in the Formula One calendar back in 2004 and was the first Formula One Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East. This edition of the Bahrain GP is scheduled to take place from 3rd to 5th March at the Bahrain International Circuit.
The Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir has been the home of the Bahrain Grand Prix since its inaugural season in 2004. It is one of the few F1 circuits to be awarded the distinguished FIA Institute Centre of Excellence award. The award was given for its excellent safety, race marshal, medical facilities and high standard of its infrastructure. It is an FIA Grade I licensed circuit with a crowd capacity of 70,000.
Lewis Hamilton is the most successful driver in the history of the Bahrain GP with five titles to his name. Sebastian Vettel, who retired at the end of last season, has won it four times. When it comes to the current grid, Fernando Alonso is the most successful active driver after Hamilton, with three wins. The last time it was held in 2022, Charles Leclerc stood on top of the podium followed by Sainz and Hamilton.
Practice 1: Friday, March 3 – 17:00 IST
Practice 2: Friday, March 3 – 20:30 IST
Practice 3: Saturday, March 4 – 17:00 IST
Qualifying: Saturday, March 4 – 20:30 IST
Race: Sunday, March 5 – 20:30 IST
Fans can catch the action on the ESPN network in the United States. Viewers in the UK can watch every session from the start of the first practice session to the end of the race on Sky Sports. In India, the qualifying session and main race will be broadcast live on F1 TV Pro. All practice sessions, qualifying sessions and the main race can also be streamed live on F1 TV Pro.
A new season awaits and the opening race is always a difficult one to call. If we have to go by the pre-season test, Red Bull look like the strongest team as of now. Ferrari, Mercedes and the rest of the pack have a bit of catching up to do. P1 for Verstappen, P2 for Perez and P3 for Leclerc is our prediction for the weekend.
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