Pre-season testing for the 2026 GB3 Championship has already revealed a major leap forward in performance, as the upgraded Tatuus MSV GB3-025 car continues to break lap records at every circuit visited.
Thanks to a combination of technical improvements, the new machine has proven over 2.3 seconds per lap faster on average compared to previous benchmarks. Engineers have introduced a new 2.4-litre naturally aspirated Mountune engine, which delivers a 25% increase in torque. Moreover, aerodynamic refinements have improved downforce, efficiency and reduced drag, while chassis updates have cut overall weight.
As a result, the package has produced consistently faster lap times at Snetterton, Donington Park and Silverstone.
Record-breaking pace at Silverstone
The most striking example came at Silverstone, where drivers encountered icy cold conditions yet still achieved remarkable performance. A best lap of 1m49.198s stood 2.449 seconds faster than last year’s pole position time and over 3.6 seconds quicker than the fastest race lap recorded in 2025.
Hitech driver Deagen Fairclough set that benchmark and quickly highlighted the improvements in the new car. He said: “The overall feeling is a massive step in the right direction. With more downforce and higher engine torque it’s really good fun to drive, and I’ve really enjoyed every moment in the car so far.
“Compared to last year there’s a big step in high speed corners where the extra downforce is so beneficial and then in the low speed corners you have more torque to use when exiting the corners.”
2026 GB3 drivers praise balance and performance of GB3-025
Across the grid, drivers have echoed similar sentiments. Nikita Bedrin, who has experience in multiple high-level single-seater categories, has been particularly impressed by the balance of the new car.
He said: “The car with the upgrades is really nice to drive. It’s between a Formula Regional and an F3 car. The grip feels really nice and I much prefer this car to the Regional one. The high speed feels really good and it is also pretty quick in the wet. Also the engine has better performance this year, which is nicer of course, so I’m enjoying this car quite a lot.
“The car is pretty similar to F3 in some aspects, especially with corner grip, which is pretty good. I think it’s a good step before Formula 3 to get up to speed and to practice with.”
Similarly, Maxim Rehm, a race winner on his GB3 debut weekend at Monza in 2025, highlighted the increased physical demands and enjoyment factor.
“I think both acceleration and downforce is a lot more than last year and the car is very enjoyable to drive. Especially at Silverstone, a high speed track, [through] Maggotts, Becketts, Stowe, Copse, it’s very nice to drive. It’s a lot of fun, definitely. We’ve had mixed conditions but when it was dry you could really feel the downforce of the car, the G-forces you carry now is probably more similar to an FIA F3.”
A new challenge for rising talent
Meanwhile, Aurelia Nobels has stepped up to GB3 after two seasons in F1 Academy and has quickly adapted to the increased performance. She said: “I’m really enjoying the step, it’s very different to the cars I’ve been driving from F1 Academy. It’s much faster, has a lot more downforce and I’m learning more every time I get in the car. The downforce, the speed you can carry into the corners and how late you can brake is amazing and a big challenge.”
Clear evidence in lap time improvements as focus shifts to Brands Hatch
The performance gains appear consistently across all venues. At Snetterton, lap times dropped by 2.510 seconds, while Donington Park saw an improvement of 1.985 seconds. Silverstone delivered a 2.449-second gain, further underlining the effectiveness of the upgrades.
With testing momentum building, attention now turns to the next session at Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit on Thursday 9 April. As teams continue refining their setups, the early signs suggest the 2026 season will feature faster, more competitive racing than ever before.
