MotorSport Vision (MSV) has announced a comprehensive upgrade package for the Tatuus MSV GB3-025, which will debut in the 2026 GB3 Championship season. The changes will deliver a substantial performance boost and further enhance reliability across the grid.
Building on first-year experience
Having completed the first season with the GB3-025, MSV has worked closely with all participating teams to identify areas for improvement. As a result, the upgrade package ensures the championship evolves in a way that appeals to drivers and remains sustainable for teams. Crucially, this collaborative process has focused on extracting more performance while simultaneously addressing long-term reliability.
Engine development: More power and more durability
At the heart of the package lies a heavily revised Mountune-built 2.4-litre engine, which replaces the current 2.0-litre unit. Notably, the new powerplant delivers 25% more torque while maximising long-term durability.
The unit achieves this with a forged crankshaft, new connecting rods, and forged aluminium pistons. In addition, the engine uses a completely redesigned cylinder head: engineers have replaced the OEM cast aluminium base with a CNC billet-machined head crafted from aerospace-grade aluminium. This new head also incorporates lightweight steel camshafts, high-spec valve gear, and optimised porting and gas flow, all of which significantly improve performance.
Engineers have also introduced installation refinements, including a revised cam cover-to-head interface and a strengthened A-frame setup. These changes enhance torsional rigidity and further boost reliability.
Aerodynamic refinements for greater efficiency
In parallel with the engine upgrades, the cars now feature a new aerodynamics package. Engineers developed this following dedicated testing at the Catesby Tunnel facility in Northamptonshire, where they carried out highly controlled aerodynamic evaluations. The package delivers greater efficiency, a more stable aero balance, increased downforce, and reduced drag — all of which improve lap times while maintaining consistency.
Aerodynamic testing has already commenced on the upgrade package for the 2026 season
— GB3 Championship (@GB3Championship) September 11, 2025
Here's a sneak peak 👀 pic.twitter.com/y3kQlkWsmZ
Chassis reinforcements and weight savings
Equally important, Tatuus and ARS have introduced a series of chassis revisions. They stiffened the rocker post mounting, stabilised the front deck, and designed a new bridge section which they will install inside the chassis over the winter. These updates increase structural rigidity and extend chassis life.
In addition, engineers have redesigned the chassis keel to resist kerb strikes more effectively. As a result, repairs will be less frequent and longer lasting. Several systems — including the exhaust, silencer, cooling system, DRS, and gear change components — will also undergo targeted weight reduction, trimming overall mass to improve agility.
Gearbox and reliability upgrades
The gearbox will also receive attention, with the introduction of a pumped oil injection system to lubricate gears directly at the mesh point. Alongside this, advanced surface treatments and finishing processes will extend gear life, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing race reliability.
On-track testing and future refinements
MSV has confirmed that a 2026 prototype car will begin on-track testing later in September, with evaluations running throughout October. During this programme, engineers will assess further refinements for inclusion in the final upgrade package, ensuring the car reaches teams in its strongest form.
Commitment to performance and value
MSV Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer emphasised the importance of delivering both performance and value to GB3 competitors:
“The Tatuus MSV GB3-025 cars introduced for this season have already established new lap records at the majority of circuits visited in 2025, but we know that there is further performance in the cars that can be extracted with our upgrade programme. Equally importantly, we have focussed on striving for perfect reliability too. As is inevitable with a first season with a new car, we have discovered a few areas that we can improve on and have been fully committed to addressing these.”
“Having worked closely with our teams, chassis designer Tatuus and our engine manufacturer Mountune, the 2026-specification GB3 car will build on the already impressive performance levels seen this year. We are determined that GB3 should be the leading championship in Europe for drivers to develop and prove themselves before joining F3 in the F1 support paddock.”
“As part of our commitment to outstanding value in GB3, the majority of these upgrades are being delivered free of charge to our teams, therefore ensuring that these costs are not passed on to the drivers participating in next year’s championship.”
Looking ahead
With extensive updates to the engine, aerodynamics, chassis, and gearbox, the 2026 GB3 car promises to raise the standard yet again. By blending cutting-edge performance with improved reliability, MSV is reaffirming its commitment to making GB3 the premier proving ground for drivers aiming to progress toward FIA F3 and beyond.
