Taito Kato left the 2026 FIA Formula 3 (F3) in-season Spielberg test satisfied with the progress made by himself and ART Grand Prix, after the Japanese driver finished fastest overall across the two-day test.
Kato’s benchmark 1:20.297 from the Day 2 morning session remained unbeaten throughout the day, with the ART driver explaining afterwards that the team made significant improvements overnight after struggling for pace and grip on the opening day.
“It was quite good. Day 1 we were struggling a lot with the pace and grip. Today was a big step forward compared to yesterday, so I just want to say thanks to the team for their hard work.”
“The car was much better today than yesterday, so we had quite a positive day. For the moment, we are focused on the race pace. We were struggling with the long run pace, so I think we have some things to learn, but let’s see how we go in Monaco.”
After a lengthy break since the opening round of the season in Melbourne, where Kato secured P3 in the Feature Race, he admitted it felt good to not only return to driving the Formula 3 car, but also end the 2026 F3 test at the top of the timesheets after a difficult opening day.
“To be honest, yesterday wasn’t good overall. There was no grip, but I think the team did a really good job. It was really hard work they did, but that’s why the car was so much better than Day 1. The car felt much better, it was on rails.”
“I missed driving a Formula 3 car. It has been almost two and a half months, and I didn’t do any racing. I went sightseeing and then went back to Japan.”
Looking ahead to the 2026 F3 Monaco Round
Attention now shifts to Round 2 of the 2026 FIA F3 season in Monte Carlo, a circuit Kato has never raced at before. Despite that, the Japanese driver believes his previous experience around street circuits, including Macau, gives him confidence heading into Monaco.
“I’ve never been there before, so I have no experience at all in Monaco. I just want to practice in the simulator a lot and then we will see when we get there.”
Last year, Kato also raced in the Macau GP Formula Regional World Cup, where he believes his street circuit experience will also come into play in Monaco.
“I think I did pretty well in Macau, I was P5 of the rookies, so I have good confidence going to a street circuit and I’m looking forward to it.”
