Formula 1 action at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) this year will not end when the chequered flag comes down on the 2017 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
"The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East" has been awarded the privilege of hosting the first of two in-season tests this Formula 1 season.
The testing will take place on April 18 and 19 at BIC, right after holding the Bahrain Grand Prix spectacle from April 14 to 16. There is another in-season test this year, scheduled for August 1 and 2.
According to FIA regulations, from 10 days before the start of the season to the end of the calendar year, the teams are permitted to take part in two team tests of no more than two consecutive days at circuits where an event has just taken place. These tests must commence no less than 36 hours after the end of said event.
Silverstone was initially lined up to host the second in-season group test, as in 2016, but this has now been switched to the Hungaroring, on August 1 and 2, the final action before the sport’s summer break.
All 10 teams are expected to be at the tests at BIC, but it is still unknown who will be behind the wheel for each on both days.
Formula 1 teams are permitted to run one car during in-season running, while two of the four days must be allocated to drivers who have started fewer than two Grands Prix. 
This is also according to FIA rules, which state that two days of each in-season test must be allocated to young driver training. A young driver is classified as someone who has competed two or fewer Grands Prix.
The in-season test in Bahrain will also help assist Formula 1 tyre suppliers Pirelli with warm weather tyre development.
Tickets to this year’s Grand Prix spectacle continue to be available. Tickets cost BD150 for the Main Grandstand, BD120 for the Batelco Grandstand, BD100 for the Turn One Grandstand, and BD60 apiece for the University Grandstands and Victory Grandstands.
All tickets are for all three days of the Formula 1 weekend, allowing holders to enjoy the maximum experience.
Tickets can be purchased at the BIC stands in Bahrain City Centre and Seef Mall, online at www.bahraingp.com or by calling the BIC Hotline on +973-17-450000.

Source: BNA