Four world champions sporting a total of 11 titles between will be joined by Ferrari's Felipe Massa in the first FIA press conference of the year, as the Formula One action gets underway in Bahrain this weekend. The traditional Thursday afternoon conference will be attended by Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, along with Massa, with the quintet boasting a combined total of 141 race wins. Friday afternoon's conference will see another five drivers face the questions.

Thursday, March 11, 15.00
Fernando Alonso (Ferrari), Jenson Button (McLaren), Lewis Hamilton (McLaren), Felipe Massa (Ferrari), Michael Schumacher (Mercedes).

Friday, March 12, 16.00
Lucas Di Grassi (Virgin), Nico Hülkenberg (Williams), Heikki Kovalainen (Lotus), Robert Kubica (Renault), Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull).

Saturday and Sunday afternoon's press conferences will take place directly after qualifying and the race respectively, featuring the top three drivers from both session.

As always, Manipe F1 will carry full transcripts of all FIA press conferences throughout the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, and from every race weekend over the course of the season.