What is a TPC Event in Formula 1?

Formula 1 teams are always looking for ways to maximise track time, but strict testing regulations mean opportunities are limited. For example, there are just three days of pre-season testing in Bahrain ahead of the 2025 season.

Teams also have filming days, and in-season tyre tests but that it, which is where TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) events come in.

A TPC event allows teams to run F1 cars from any of the three seasons prior to the last campaign. In 2025, that means cars from 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be used – we're currently running the FW45 that scored 28 points for the team in the 2023 season.

However, teams can only fit parts that were previously raced or tested on that specific car, ensuring no new developments are trialled.

While TPC sessions aren’t restricted by mileage in general, there are limits for drivers currently competing in the World Championship. Each team is allowed up to 20 TPC days per calendar year, but only 1,000km of running can be completed using drivers entered in the championship.

This 1,000km allocation can be spread across a maximum of four of the 20 available TPC days. These rules ensure that teams can use TPC running effectively while preventing excessive additional track time for race drivers.

Despite these restrictions, TPC events remain an invaluable tool. They provide extra seat time, allowing drivers to refine their skills, adapt to a team's processes, or continue their development. For teams, these sessions offer the chance to gather data, test fresh working practices and integrate new personnel.

Running a TPC event in the European mid-winter also serves another key purpose: it’s the perfect way to shake off the cobwebs. After the off-season break, there’s no better way to spring back into action than the sound of a V6 Turbo-Hybrid Engine soon after sunrise in Spain.

We’ve been at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz sharing driving duties in the FW45. This marks a significant step for the team, as we’ve not run a dedicated TPC programme in the modern era of F1 – another sign of the progress we’re making as we build for the future.