UK broadcaster Sky Sports is to show live coverage from Formula 1’s opening pre-season test next month.
Formula 1 is to gather at Spanish Grand Prix venue Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from February 18 to 21 and from February 26 to March 1.
All 10 teams are permitted to field one car each day and the circuit will be open from 09:00 to 18:00 local time, with a one-hour break for lunch at 13:00.
Formula 1 broadcasters have typically limited their coverage from test days but for 2019 Sky Sports F1 will be showing a portion of the action.
On Monday it confirmed that it will broadcast live from the circuit from 13:00 to 17:00 UK time – in effect the afternoon session of each day – promising ‘insight from special guests, team bosses and drivers’.
An hour-long review show will be broadcast each day immediately following the chequered flag.
It means the broadcaster is set to be on air for over 20 hours during the course of the first test.
It has not yet communicated any plans for the second test.
