F1 2018 Bahrain Grand Prix: preview, timetable and how to watch it on TV

April has arrived for motor enthusiasts with two gifts under its arm: the MotoGP Argentine Grand Prix and the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix. For the first time in 2018, the motorcycling and motor racing grands prix coincide on the same weekend, and this will be one of four occasions this season when that happens.

The Bahrain race is one of the night races of the season, although it was not always so. This grand prix (the first one held in the Middle East) has been run since 2004, and the first night-time race was held from 2014 onwards, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of Formula 1’s arrival in Bahrain. Of the drivers currently racing, Hamilton, who has done so twice, Vettel, who has done so three times, and Fernando Alonso, who has done so another three times, know what it takes to win on this Sakhir circuit.

A circuit built in the middle of the desert, designed by Hermann Tilke, with up to 15 corners mostly with heavy braking, long straights and wide track width, which leaves plenty of room for overtaking. Without a doubt, it is a circuit better suited to the conditions of Ferrari than of Mercedes, as Sebastian Vettel demonstrated last year by winning the race ahead of the two drivers from the German team.

Whether because of this, or because of what happened during the first race of the championship, Lewis Hamilton wanted to take the pressure off and has named Seb Vettel as the clear favourite to win the 2018 Bahrain Grand Prix. It is a grand prix we also look forward to seeing how the Spanish drivers, both Alonso and Sainz, perform after their good debut in Australia.

2018 Bahrain Grand Prix timetable

As the Bahrain race is a night race, the main events of the weekend will take place in the afternoon Spanish time. Check here all the timings:

Friday 6 April:

• 13:00 hours -> Free Practice 1
• 17:00 hours -> Free Practice 2

Saturday 7 April:

• 14:00 hours -> Free Practice 3
• 17:00 hours -> Qualifying

Sunday 8 April:

• 17:10 hours -> Race

In Spain, Formula 1 can now only be watched through Movistar TV. Interested viewers can subscribe to the motor package to follow F1 and the MotoGP world championship from 10 euros a month.