WATCH: F1 pre-season testing – How it works and what to watch out for in Bahrain this week

The new Formula 1 season is just around the corner, but before racing gets under way at the Bahrain Grand Prix the teams and drivers will gather this week at the Sakhir circuit for three days of pre-season testing.

It all kicks off on Thursday morning, but how does it all work – and what should you be keeping an eye out for when the cars hit the track?

READ MORE: From aero rakes to flow-vis – 5 key terms you need to know for F1 pre-season testing

Hit play on the video above to get the full lowdown on winter testing, which will be the first chance we get to see all the new cars on track – and should give us some indication as to whether champions Red Bull are still the team to beat.

We should also get some hints as to whether Mercedes have ironed out their problems from last year.

Every team will be keeping an eye on the opposition to see if any of them spring any technical surprises this week – like Mercedes' 'zero sidepod' design from last year, or their ingenious DAS system in 2020.

And it will be a chance for this season's rookies – Nyck de Vries, Oscar Piastri and Logan Sargeant – to get themselves up to speed before racing begins.

Hit play on the video up top to find out all you need to know before the pit lane opens for business on Thursday morning...