Taito Kato believes both he and ART Grand Prix possess the pace required to compete regularly at the front of the FIA F3 Championship following an encouraging start to the 2026 campaign.
The Japanese rookie immediately impressed during the opening round in Melbourne, where he qualified seventh before converting that strong position into a podium finish in the Feature Race. By securing third place, Kato collected his maiden F3 podium during his very first weekend in the category. Since then, the 19-year-old has returned to Japan to recharge physically and mentally before the championship resumes its European phase.
Kato refreshed after time back in Japan
Following the intense opening round in Australia, Kato spent time at home with family while also focusing on preparation for the upcoming races. Alongside his training programme, he admitted he also enjoyed making the most of Japanese cuisine during the break.
Despite the relaxed atmosphere, Kato ensured he maintained his physical preparation ahead of returning to competition.
“I was quite relaxed in Japan,” joked Kato. “Normally, I am in Japan for quite a short time because I live in Europe right now. It was a good time to refresh my body. I ate a lot of Japanese food, which is the best in the world. It’s good preparation for the next rounds. So it was a good holiday with some good training in Japan as well.”
The break allowed Kato to reset after a demanding start to his rookie Formula 3 campaign while also preparing himself for the challenges of the upcoming European rounds.
Melbourne performance boosts confidence
Kato’s strong debut weekend in Melbourne gave both driver and team valuable confidence heading into the rest of the season. Since returning from Australia, he and ART Grand Prix have spent significant time reviewing the positives and negatives from the opening event.
Importantly, Kato believes the analysis confirmed that the team already possesses the pace required to compete near the front of the grid.
“Looking at everything was very positive to be honest,” said Kato. “Everything was clear and we know the issues.
“What is quite positive is that things were quite clear, we have the potential, and we know it is there. I think the car is capable of fighting in the top five for sure. Formula 3 is quite tight, especially in Qualifying, so I have to be inside the top 10 every time. That is the most important thing.
“I think the car is good, I have nothing to say about it, it’s just issues with myself. So I just need to keep pushing. I think I was doing pretty well in the Round 1, so I will do the same things for Round 2 as well.”
Consequently, Kato heads into the next phase of the season encouraged by the combination of ART’s performance potential and the lessons learned from Melbourne.
Kato preparing for Monaco challenge after encouraging 2026 Melbourne F3 opener
Next, Formula 3 returns to Europe with in-season testing at Spielberg before the championship heads to Monte Carlo. For Kato, Monaco will present another major challenge as he prepares to race on the famous street circuit for the first time.
Before then, the Japanese driver will spend time in France completing simulator work with ART Grand Prix to maximise his preparation for one of motorsport’s most demanding venues.
Although Kato admitted he feels some nerves about returning to the cockpit after several weeks away from racing, he also believes his previous experience in Macau provides valuable confidence heading into Monaco.
“I will be scared, but I did Macau as well,” said Kato on driving in Monaco for the first time. “Macau went pretty well, I adjusted quite quickly, so I think I have good confidence. Macau is the most difficult track in the world, the most challenging of circuits. I think Monaco is not as difficult, to be honest.
“I think the average speed is a bit lower than Macau, so I have confidence for Monaco. But I think second-year drivers will have the experience, so there is quite a big gap. But I have to adjust as soon as possible, and then just focus on the Qualifying.”
With confidence growing after Melbourne and important preparation ahead, Kato now approaches the next stage of his rookie F3 season, believing both he and ART Grand Prix can establish themselves as consistent front-runners.
