F1 confirm key change for 2027 pre-season

The FIA has confirmed a change has been approved regarding the number of testing days ahead of the 2027 Formula 1 season.

Following the introduction of new aerodynamic and power unit regulations for this campaign, and for the teams to get up to speed following a short off-season, there were two three-day tests in mid-February at the Bahrain International Circuit.

That followed a five-day private shakedown at the end of January at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya.

In previous years, teams have only been allowed three days of testing, and that was due to be the case again ahead of next season.

However, following a meeting of the Formula 1 Commission at the FIA's London offices, chaired by single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis and F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali, a proposal to increase the number of days to four was approved.

This test is almost certain to take place in Bahrain ahead of its return to the opening race in March. In the past two years, the curtain raiser has taken place in Australia due to the Middle East nations observing Ramadan.

The extra day is important for the F1 teams should a proposal to change the power unit configuration from its current 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical energy to 60-40 be ratified by the manufacturers.

In addition, minor changes were also agreed to aerodynamic and bodywork components, although no detail has yet been provided on the specific nature of the alterations.

Finally, changes to the Testing of Previous Cars [TPC] in relation to venues for testing were also agreed.

Specifically, this involves limitations on conducting testing at circuits due to hold a grand prix in the subsequent year's championship.

All the aforementioned changes are subject to the approval of the FIA World Motor Sport Council.