PREMA is finally set to go back to racing at Bahrain International Circuit with its two-car FIA Formula 2 Championship line-up.
The opening round of the championship will take the contenders to a traditional destination, and they will have fresh experience as the state-of-the-art 5.6-kilometre venue, located 20 minutes away from the capital city of Manama, recently hosted a three-day collective test. It will once again feature a day-to-night programme with cars running in daylight and under artificial lights.
The team's brand-new combination will include two drivers supported by top F1 junior programmes.
Making his return to the team, 21-year-old Dane Frederik Vesti is set to start his second season in the series. The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team junior aims to provide himself and the team with more success after having achieved 16 wins together in 2019 and 2020.
Joining him, 17-year-old Brit Ollie Bearman will be making his debut in the championship, moving up from the FIA Formula 3 Championship. The Ferrari Driver Academy racer has achieved outstanding success so far and is now set for one of the most important steps of his career.
The championship, which will feature a notable addition with the use of a partially-renewable fuel blend, is set for a 14-round schedule that will include for the first time a trip to Australia at Melbourne.
Rene Rosin - Team Principal
"We cannot wait to get back into action for a highly-anticipated season that will bring us to many exciting destinations. We have worked hard over the winter to maximize everything and we know both drivers extremely well. They did a great job in preparing for the season so we are looking forward to seeing where we stand when we hit the track in Bahrain."
Weekend Timetable*
Friday, March 3rd, 2023
12:05 - Practice
19:30 - Qualifying
Saturday, March 4th, 2023
16:15 - Race 1
Sunday, March 5th, 2023
13:20 - Race 2
*All times local, GMT+3