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Preparations for the 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship are set to hot up today (Tuesday, February 7, 2012), as the pre-season’s first multi-team tests get underway in Jerez, Spain.

 

A majority of the sport’s 12 teams have already unveiled their 2012 challengers, and each is itching to get some valuable track time ahead of the new record-breaking campaign, which features a whopping 20 races on the calendar.

 

With the slew of talent lining up on the grid, including returning former World champion Kimi Raikkonen back in the fold, the 2012 season promises to be one of the best yet in Formula One history.

 

McLaren, Ferrari, Lotus (formerly Renault GP), Sauber, Force India, Caterham F1 (formerly Team Lotus) and defending world champions Red Bull have all unveiled their 2012 machinery; while Williams and Toro Rosso are both scheduled to do so today.

 

Mercedes GP, Marussia and HRT are all expected to launch their new challengers in the coming weeks as the days countdown to Melbourne for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in mid-March.

 

All but Marussia are scheduled to begin testing today in Jerez. Mercedes and HRT will reportedly be running with last year’s chassis along with the new series of Pirelli tyres for the 2012 season.

 

It must be noted that teams’ testing plans may change without prior notice.

 

Today’s tests will be the first opportunity that each squad will get to compare their cars with others, both out on track as well as on the timesheets.