FORMULA 3 – BARCELONA KICKS OFF THE 2026 SEASON TOMORROW WITH PRE-SEASON TESTING
Formula 3 is back on track. Starting tomorrow, the Barcelona circuit will host the 2026 pre-season tests, the first concrete step ahead of the championship opener in Australia in March. Over three days, the 30 drivers and 10 teams on the grid will begin a crucial working phase to lay solid foundations for the 2026 season.
While lap times should be interpreted with caution, these tests provide an ideal setting to assess the form of the teams, the progress of the drivers, and the adaptation of the rookies.
A highly competitive grid and ambitious teams
The 2026 grid is extremely competitive. Leading teams such as Trident, ART Grand Prix, Van Amersfoort Racing, MP Motorsport and PREMA arrive in Catalunya with clear goals: quickly establish the basis for a strong season.
For some, the goal of these tests will be to confirm their status as title contenders; for others, understanding the car will be essential ahead of the championship launch.
In such a closely matched field, the ability to perform immediately could make the difference from the very first race weekends.
Seat changes and temporary replacements: a busy winter
The off-season has been marked by several changes, even though the grid had already been set.
The most notable move involves Enzo Deligny. The French driver has left PREMA to join Van Amersfoort Racing. This departure opened the door for José Garfias, now confirmed with PREMA.
In addition, two teams have had to deal with absences due to injuries, leading to temporary replacements for the tests.
At Campos, Patrick Heuzenroeder will replace Ernesto Riveira, while at Hitech, Tim Tramnitz steps in for Michael Shin during these pre-season tests in Barcelona.
Freddie Slater, the early favourite?
Among the most closely watched drivers in Barcelona, Freddie Slater stands out as a benchmark. Competing with Trident, the Brit arrives at the tests with the tag of early favourite already firmly attached.
Renowned for his raw speed and adaptability, the new Audi driver will be closely monitored. These tests will offer a first indication of his true potential against a highly competitive field and of his adaptation to Formula 3 after a Formula Regional European championship title in 2025.
Barcelona, a revealing circuit
The Catalan track is a pre-season staple. Well known to all, demanding on tyres and highly revealing of overall car balance, it will provide valuable insight for drivers and teams ahead of the season opener.
These three days of testing will not provide all the answers, but they will help outline the first trends. The adaptation of new drivers, the rise of the expected favourites and the progress of the rookies will be closely scrutinised.
In a championship as competitive as Formula 3, every detail matters from the very first laps. Barcelona marks the true start of the 2026 season.
The sessions start on all three days at 09:00 local time, with the lunch break at 12:00. On days one and two, testing resumes at 14:00 local time while on day three, the afternoon’s running begins again at 13:00 local time and ends at 16:00.
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