Dion Gowda believes LN4 Fusion can establish itself as a competitive team during its inaugural FIA Formula 3 campaign in 2027, as the Indian driver reflects on his first experiences of F3 machinery and the challenges of progressing from Formula Regional.
The 18-year-old will make his F3 debut alongside James Egozi and Gabriel Gomez, completing the new team’s three-driver line-up. Having spent the previous two seasons competing in the Formula Regional European Championship (FREC), Gowda participated in the October post-season tests at Jerez and Barcelona-Catalunya, gaining valuable experience ahead of his first campaign at the third tier of the single-seater ladder.
Although Gowda has expressed confidence in the team’s potential, he recognises that adapting to the increased downforce, tyre characteristics and responsibilities associated with Formula 3 will require considerable work. His immediate focus remains on learning from the testing programme and establishing a strong foundation for the new season.
Gowda reflects on transition from Formula Regional to FIA F3
Gowda’s graduation to FIA F3 represents another important step in a single-seater career that began in 2023. The Indian driver initially competed in British Formula 4, finishing fourth in the championship with four victories and six podiums before progressing to Italian F4 and subsequently Formula Regional.
His first FREC campaign in 2025 provided a competitive introduction to the category, with Gowda finishing 12th overall and securing the Rookie Championship. He remained in Formula Regional for 2026, concluding the season 20th in the standings with 25 points.
Although his second campaign proved challenging, the experience provided opportunities to develop his understanding of car setup, race management and competition against established junior single-seater prospects.
His progression to F3 brings another significant adjustment, particularly as he moves into a more powerful car with greater aerodynamic performance. Reflecting on his early experiences, Gowda acknowledged the substantial learning process involved.
“It’s been really good, I’ve been learning a lot,” said Gowda. “It’s a step up for me. Obviously, a new car for me, new experience, and a new team as well. There’s a lot to learn, but it’s going well and I think we’re doing a good job.”
Increased downforce and tyre management present new challenges
One of the most significant differences between Formula Regional and FIA F3 concerns the aerodynamic and mechanical characteristics of the machinery. The Dallara F3 2025 produces greater downforce and offers higher performance than the cars Gowda previously competed in, requiring him to adapt his driving style and approach to cornering.
However, the Indian driver believes understanding the tyres represents an equally important challenge. FIA F3 places considerable emphasis on extracting maximum performance during qualifying while managing tyre degradation throughout the races, making preparation and consistency essential.
Gowda identified those characteristics as particularly important during his transition, recognising that the increased pace alone does not represent the full extent of the adjustment.
“Obviously in terms of in the car, it’s quicker, it’s got more downforce, so it’s about maximising that. But then also the tyres are a big thing in F3 and being able to maximise when the tyres are at their best is a unique skill.
“So that’s probably the biggest difference from anything else I’ve driven, and then also obviously off the track you’ve got a lot more responsibility being in F3.”
His comments highlight the importance of preparation beyond outright driving performance. The championship’s closely matched machinery means extracting performance through tyre preparation, setup decisions and effective communication with engineers can be crucial to securing competitive results.
Jerez and Barcelona tests provide valuable preparation
Gowda participated in both of the championship’s October post-season tests, with the opening programme taking place at Jerez on 20–21 October before the field travelled to Barcelona-Catalunya on 26–27 October.
The four days of running provided an opportunity to become familiar with F3 machinery while developing his working relationship with the personnel preparing LN4 Fusion’s inaugural campaign. Alongside qualifying simulations, the sessions allowed drivers to gain experience with longer runs, tyre management and race procedures.
During the Jerez post-season test, Gowda competed in the #28 car as part of the three-driver entry officially listed under AIX Racing. The arrangement reflected the transition towards LN4 Fusion, which has acquired selected assets from AIX, including its F3 championship entry.
Gowda subsequently returned for the Barcelona-Catalunya test, completing the final scheduled running of the year alongside his future teammates.
Although testing results do not necessarily indicate competitive order, the programme provided important preparation for a driver encountering the demands of F3 for the first time. The experience will also allow Gowda and the team to identify areas requiring further development before the opening round.
Gowda confident in LN4 Fusion despite team’s newcomer status
LN4 Fusion will enter FIA F3 in 2027 as a newly established organisation, replacing AIX Racing on the championship grid. The project, co-founded by Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris, forms part of a broader junior single-seater operation designed to support drivers progressing towards the highest levels of motorsport.
Although the team will be competing under a new identity, its leadership includes personnel with extensive experience across international junior racing. Former PREMA Racing Team Principal René Rosin will oversee the sporting programme, while Guillaume Capietto will serve as Racing Director.
Their experience provides an established foundation as the organisation prepares to compete against teams with considerably longer histories in FIA F3.
Gowda welcomed the opportunity to represent LN4 Fusion during its first championship season, expressing confidence that the team’s personnel and preparations will allow it to challenge competitively.
“Obviously, it’s a great honour to be racing in F3 and then to also be representing LN4 Fusion,” said Gowda.
“It’s a new team, but we’ve got some experienced people working behind the scenes. I’m quite confident that we should be fairly competitive going into the season.”
The Indian driver becomes part of a project with ambitions extending beyond its immediate F3 debut. As detailed in LN4 Fusion’s wider junior motorsport plans, the organisation is establishing programmes across multiple categories, including Formula 4, Formula Regional and Formula 2.
Gowda joins Egozi and Gomez in LN4 Fusion’s inaugural line-up
LN4 Fusion has assembled an all-rookie line-up for its first FIA F3 campaign, with Gowda joining American driver Egozi and Brazilian racer Gomez.
Egozi arrives following a successful 2026 Eurocup-3 campaign in which he secured the Drivers’ Championship, while Gomez progresses after competing in FREC with Rodin Motorsport. Both drivers bring experience from established junior single-seater categories, although they will also need to adapt to the demands of FIA F3.
Gowda was the final driver confirmed for the team’s 2027 line-up, completing the three-car programme ahead of the post-season preparations.
The team’s drivers also bring different competitive backgrounds. While Egozi has enjoyed recent championship success, Gomez previously challenged for titles in Italian F4 and the E4 Championship. Gowda’s experience across British F4, Italian F4 and Formula Regional provides another perspective as the trio prepares for its first season.
Their shared lack of previous FIA F3 race experience presents a challenge, particularly as LN4 Fusion establishes its operational structure. However, the October testing programme provided an early opportunity for the drivers and engineers to develop working relationships before the championship begins.
Gowda targets progress throughout 2027 FIA F3 rookie campaign
The 2027 FIA F3 season will introduce several new challenges for Gowda, particularly with the championship expanding its international calendar to include visits to Jeddah, Montreal and Istanbul.
The Indian driver has identified Jeddah and Monaco among the circuits he is particularly looking forward to experiencing. Both street circuits demand precision and confidence, with narrow sections and barriers leaving little room for mistakes.
The wider calendar will also challenge Gowda to adapt quickly to different circuit characteristics, qualifying conditions and race strategies. With limited practice time at each round, the experience gained during testing and previous single-seater campaigns will be important.
Although Gowda has ambitious long-term expectations, he recognises the need to approach his rookie season realistically. Rather than focusing exclusively on immediate results, the 18-year-old intends to concentrate on improving throughout the campaign.
“Obviously I’d like to win the championship,” he added. “But it is my rookie season, so we’ll just learn as much as we can, take away as much as we can and just try to improve throughout the season, and take it step-by-step.”
His approach reflects the challenge facing both driver and team, with LN4 Fusion preparing for its first season while Gowda continues developing his understanding of F3 machinery.
LN4 Fusion prepares for first FIA F3 season in 2027
LN4 Fusion’s arrival introduces a significant change to the FIA F3 grid, with the new organisation seeking to establish itself against experienced teams such as Campos Racing, Trident and MP Motorsport.
Although Gowda, Egozi and Gomez will all be rookies, the team’s experienced leadership and early testing programme provide a foundation for the upcoming season. Its preparations will centre on integrating the drivers, refining its technical approach and developing the consistency required to challenge across a demanding championship calendar.
For Gowda, the progression from Formula Regional represents an important opportunity to demonstrate his development on the international stage. His experience during the Jerez and Barcelona tests has already highlighted the technical demands of the category, particularly the importance of tyre management and maximising aerodynamic performance.
Nevertheless, the Indian remains optimistic about LN4 Fusion’s potential. With the 2027 season approaching, he will aim to translate the lessons learned during testing into competitive performances while continuing to adapt to the demands of FIA Formula 3.
