Formula 1 2013: Where it all begins...

The 2013 Formula 1 season is fast approaching, with only eight days to go until testing begins and 47 days before the lights go out in Australia. But car launches are first on the agenda, the first of which takes place in a few hours' time.

At precisely 7.15pm, the Lotus F1 Team will pull the covers off its 2013 contender, kick-starting the string of presentations before the opening pre-season test gets underway at Jerez next week. The Enstone-based squad's launch will be followed by McLaren, Force India, Ferrari, Sauber and Red Bull from Thursday through Sunday.

Mercedes, Toro Rosso and Caterham have all opted for launches in the pit lane at Jerez, while Williams has confirmed that it will not be completing mileage with its new design until the second test gathering at the Circuit de Catalunya. Marussia, which recently split with Timo Glock, has not yet confirmed a launch date for its 2013 car.

The test schedule commences at Jerez on 5 February, before the F1 fraternity heads north to the Circuit de Catalunya. The Catalan circuit will host two four-day tests, the first being staged from 19-22 February and the second from 28 February to 3 March.

Launches:

Lotus - Monday 28 January
McLaren - Thursday 31 January
Force India - Friday 1 February
Ferrari - Friday 1 February
Sauber - Saturday 2 February
Red Bull - Sunday 3 February
Mercedes - Monday 4 February
Toro Rosso - Monday 4 February
Caterham - Tuesday 5 February
Williams - Tuesday 19 February
Marussia - TBC

Pre-season tests:

Circuito de Jerez - 5-8 February
Circuit de Catalunya - 19-22 February
Circuit de Catalunya - 28 February-3 March