The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will remain as the winter testing venue for Formula 1 in the 2019 season, it has been confirmed.
The circuit owners has confirmed that Barcelona will continue on to host the winter testing of F1 for the 2019 season as well, thereby squashing any speculation of it being moved to Jerez or any other venue.
The dates for the two tests has also been confirmed by the circuit with the first four-day test to be held between February 18 and 21, while the second four-day test will take place from February 26 until March 1.
The talks to move out of Barcelona got serious midway this season after it snowed during the 2018’s test run which disrupted the programme for several teams. Also, the track surface forced Pirelli to introduce a different tyre for three circuits including Barcelona.
The idea to move the winter test to Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir got momentum considering the hot weather conditions in the Middle East. However, the plan was dropped as it would have increased the financial burden on the teams.
Jerez was reportedly in talks as an alternative venue or host one of the two tests but it has now been firmed that Barcelona will remain as the sole circuit for both the tests for 2019 as teams will hope for better conditions this time around.
With the test getting over on March 1, it means the teams will get two weeks to prepare for the start of the 2019 season which is scheduled for March 15-17 weekend with the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park circuit.