Bahrain Grand Prix 2023: What time does the race start, what TV channel is it on and latest odds

The 2023 Formula One season gets under way in Bahrain, at the Bahrain International Circuit just outside of Sakhir.

Friday practice is done and dusted, with Fernando Alonso leading Max Verstappen in the second session.

Max Verstappen is the defending champion, having won his second drivers' title in a row last season for Red Bull.

Mercedes – with drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell – and Ferrari will hope to be stiffer competition than they were in 2022 and could do with starting on the front foot.

As has been the case for some time now, qualifying and the race will take place under lights after dark.

When is it?

The 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix runs from Friday March 3 until Sunday March 5.

What time do the sessions start?

Friday, March 3

First practice – 11.30am GMT
Second practice – 3pm

Saturday, March 4

Third practice – 11.30am
Qualifying – 3pm

Sunday, March 5

Bahrain Grand Prix – 3pm

What TV channel is it on?

Sky Sports F1 have near-exclusive live coverage rights in the UK this year and indeed for the next few with their usual excellent team.

Sky's qualifying program starts at 2pm GMT on Saturday, with their race coverage at 1.30pm on Sunday.

Channel 4 also have extended highlights coverage this year. Their qualifying coverage begins at 7.30pm on Saturday with their race coverage at 9pm on Sunday.

• Watch the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix through Sky Sports

What were the times after second practice?

1. Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin 1:30.907

2. Max Verstappen, Red Bull +0.169sec

3. Sergio Perez, Red Bull +0.171sec

4. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari +0.460sec

5. Nico Hulkenberg, Haas +0.469sec

6. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin +0.543sec

7. Pierre Gasly, Ocon +0.568sec

8. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes +0.636sec

9. Lando Norris, McLaren +0.663sec

10. Guanyu Zhou, Alfa Romeo  +0.679sec

11. Esteban Ocon, Alpine +0.701sec

12. Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo +0.886sec

13. George Russell, Mercedes +0.975sec

14. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari +1.049sec

15. Oscar Piastri, McLaren +1.117sec

16. Kevin Magnussen, Haas  +1.203sec

17. Alexander Albon, Williams +1.533sec

18. Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri +1.618sec

19. Nyck de Vries, Williams +1.698sec

20. Logan Sargeant, Williams +1.842sec

What do we know about the Bahrain International Circuit?

• Circuit length: 5.412km

• First grand prix: 2004

• Laps: 57

• Race distance:  308.238km

• Race lap record: 1:31.447 (Pedro de la Rosa, 2005, McLaren)

• 2022 winner: Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

• Number of corners: 15

• Overtaking chances:  Pretty decent overall, though again, you're most likely to see it along the long pit straight, with the aid of DRS into the heavy braking hairpin at turn one. A couple of other opportunities throughout the lap, though they require a bit more bravery.

What are the driver line-ups for this year?

Red Bull: Max Verstappen (1) and Sergio Pérez (11) 
Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton (44) and George Russell (63) 
Ferrari: Carlos Sainz (55) and Charles Leclerc (55) 
Alpine:  Esteban Ocon (31) and Pierre Gasly (10) 
McLaren: Lando Norris (4) and Oscar Piastri (81) 
Alfa Romeo: Valtteri Bottas (77) and Guanyu Zhou (24) 
Aston Martin: Lance Stroll (18) and Fernando Alonso (14) 
Haas: Kevin Magnussen (20) and Nico Hulkenberg (27) 
AlphaTauri: Yuki Tsunoda (22) and Nyck de Vries (21) 
Williams: Alexander Albon (23) and Logan Sargeant (2)

What are the latest odds?

• Max Verstappen 5/7

• Charles Leclerc 11/2

• Lewis Hamilton 15/2

• Fernando Alonso 11/1

• George Russell 14/1

• Sergio Perez 14/1

• Carlos Sainz 22/1