The team had kept its plans under wraps for much of the build-up, but clarity has emerged on the eve of the test: George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes will begin its new season on day one. The decision comes with the weather forecast looking favourable enough to allow running.

In doing so, Mercedes follows the lead of Red Bull Racing, Racing Bulls and Alpine, while McLaren and Ferrari are set to skip the opening day.

Five days are available for testing, but teams are allowed to run on only three. Limited running is expected on Tuesday due to the less favourable weather forecast, though teams have not ruled out going out on track. For example, Red Bull Racing has requested wet and intermediate tyres from Pirelli.

Two further three-day test blocks are scheduled for February, with both taking place in Bahrain.