The new Formula One season is just around the corner, with only a few weeks until the competitive action gets back underway at the Australian Grand Prix.

Before then, however, all 10 teams and their drivers will hit the track at the Bahrain International Circuit for three days of pre-season testing.

Testing often serves as an early indicator of how the cars are shaping up ahead of the season opener, which will be held in Melbourne next month.

It is an opportunity for teams to collect as much data as possible while ironing out any potential teething problems with their new machinery.

With no major regulation changes over the winter, this year's cars are expected to converge even further with several teams likely to be in contention for the end-of-season honours.

Express Sport brings you the details you need to know ahead of testing in Bahrain...

When is pre-season testing?

Testing will take place between February 26 and February 28, with the on-track action happening from 10.00am to 7.00pm (local time).

Bahrain is three hours ahead of the UK, meaning the sessions will run from 7.00am to 4.00pm (UK time).

Drivers and teams will break for one hour in the middle of each day, between 11.00am and 12.00pm (UK time), when press conferences and media interviews will take place.

What TV channel is it on?

Every minute of every session will be shown live on Sky Sports F1 in the UK. Viewers can also watch the action on mobile devices or tablets via the Sky Sports and Sky Go apps. Analysis will be provided following the end of each session.

Those not already subscribed to Sky Sports can watch live coverage of testing via NOW with a Day or Month Sports Membership.

Which drivers will be taking part?

Every full-time driver is expected to get behind the wheel, with teams likely to split the time evenly between their two racers.

Each team will only be allowed to run one car, meaning drivers will need to take it in turns rather than being on track at the same time.

Teams typically choose to alternate their drivers each day, with one driver taking part in the morning and the other in the afternoon.

However, some teams may decide to give each of their drivers a full day of running before splitting the hours equally on the third and final day.