On the second day of 2025 F3 post-season running at Jerez, the time sheets recorded a clear headline moment for new Campos Racing driver, Ugo Ugochukwu. After a sequence of qualifying-simulation laps across the field, he produced a 1:30.012, the fastest time of the first post-season test and 0.197s ahead of team-mate Ernesto Rivera. With that established, and with Campos Racing occupying the top of both sessions, Ugochukwu summarised his introduction to the team in plain terms.
“It’s been overall a positive two days in my first test with Campos,” he said. “There are a couple of new things to learn from the team, but I felt like they helped me get on top of everything very quickly, and the pace has been really good these two days.”
Two valuable days of testing
As the morning programme moved through short-run attempts and routine red-flag resets, the lap that mattered remained on his side of the ledger. Then, as the afternoon settled, Rivera led the timing screens while Ugochukwu continued near the front. In that context, and with both one-lap and longer-run tasks ticked off, Ugochukwu added more detail about the run plan.
“I topped the quali runs this morning which is always a plus and we overall had two good days of race runs as well, and a couple of things we have been testing were good as well. So overall it’s been a good start to the post-season test.”
Placing Jerez in the wider preparation
As this was his first outing with Campos, the emphasis naturally fell on fit, communication, and rhythm across the garage. With those foundations laid during the two-day window at Jerez, Ugochukwu noted the value of the mileage.
“We are not going to be racing here in the Championship, but still two days of testing is still quite crucial, as there are not many laps in this category.”
Between Jerez and the next stops on the calendar, the schedule leaves only limited track time before pre-season. Consequently, programmes at Barcelona and Imola will carry specific priorities for qualifying work and race-run structure. With that in mind, Ugochukwu outlined the simple approach that will guide the remaining days of post-season testing.
“So trying to maximise whatever we can, quali runs, race runs, and also trying to find more time compared to our competitors. Obviously, it’s a bit hard to say where we are compared to them in testing, but we can get a rough idea of where we are at going into next season.”
Building on late-season pace
Across the previous campaign, the record showed two podiums and a 16th-place finish in the Drivers’ standings, with stronger speed arriving later in the year. Looking back at that run and forward to 2026, Ugochukwu set out the focus points in straightforward fashion.
“Ultimately, the raw pace was there towards the end of last year, but I think a couple of things could have gone better, like a couple less mistakes as well.” He then added the target for the year ahead. “So I think going into next season, it will help putting everything together, being consistent will be super important to fight for the Championship.”
Next steps: Barcelona and Imola
After Jerez, the field moves to Barcelona on 15–16 October, with Imola to follow. Across those four days of running, the emphasis remains on structured laps and repeatable procedures. As the plan tightens, Ugochukwu kept the message direct.
“We just have to keep working,” he said. “Keep trying to improve and get faster if we can, that’s the main things. Just maximising the next four days, because it’s as much running as we are going to get until pre-season next year.”
