Taito Kato enters the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship season determined to convert a promising winter into competitive F3 performances with ART Grand Prix. The Japanese driver enjoyed an encouraging pre-season test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where he consistently featured near the top of the timesheets across all three days. Notably, he set the third-fastest time during the peak Qualifying simulations on Day 2, underlining both his one-lap pace and his growing comfort in the car.
As the season opener at Melbourne approaches, Kato reflected not only on his preparation but also on the significance of reaching the F3 grid.
“It’s a dream come true” – Kato embraces 2026 F3 opportunity with ART
Before testing began in Barcelona, Kato spoke openly about what stepping up to F3 means to him. Having progressed through the junior ranks with clear ambition, he now fulfils a long-held goal by joining one of the most competitive championships on the single-seater ladder.
“I’m so happy that I get to join the Formula 3 grid,” he said. “It’s been my dream from when I was a kid. It might feel a bit unreal, but it’s a dream come true, so I’m really happy to join Formula 3.
He then addressed the level of competition he expects to face throughout the campaign, particularly in Qualifying, where margins often prove decisive. In a tightly packed field, execution becomes critical.
“I think the Formula 3 competition is quite tight, especially in Qualifying. So that’s why it is really, really important to have a good setup in qualifying, and I cannot make any mistakes myself.
Building on that point, Kato emphasised the value of pre-season running. With limited track time available during race weekends, testing plays a crucial role in refining both car balance and driver confidence.
“So I think it’s quite useful, these three days of tests, to try to adapt to the setup. I need to adapt quite well with the new car. The team and I, we already have quite a good relationship, so we can just focus on Round 1.”
Simulator work key ahead of Melbourne and Bahrain
Looking ahead to the opening rounds, Kato faces an additional challenge. He has never raced at the Albert Park Circuit or the Bahrain International Circuit, venues that will host the first two events of the season. Nevertheless, he has approached that obstacle methodically through extensive simulator preparation.
“I’ve never driven in Melbourne and Bahrain as well,” he explained. “But I’m driving a lot in the simulator, so I have confidence for Round 1 and Round 2. For the moment, the simulator is quite good. So I think I don’t need a lot of laps.
He believes that thorough virtual preparation will allow him to adapt quickly during the limited Free Practice sessions available on race weekends. Consequently, he remains confident about his ability to deliver from the outset.
“I think I can adapt with only the FP, so I think it’s not a big issue for Round 1 and Round 2. My target is to fight for the top five, and that will give me confidence for Round 3, when we get back to Europe.”
Kato to adopt a step-by-step focus despite 2026 F3 Championship ambition with ART
Although Kato has outlined clear short-term objectives, he also recognises the importance of patience across a long and demanding season. Rather than fixating immediately on the overall standings, he intends to approach each round with a structured and incremental mindset.
“I would say my target is each round,” said Kato. “I’m not thinking about the Championship right now. I’m just focused on each round. I think we need to improve step-by-step at each round, because this series is quite a high-level competition.
Finally, while he keeps his attention on immediate performance, he does not hide his ultimate ambition. However, he places emphasis on building towards that goal progressively.
“For sure my target is the Championship. But for the moment, I’m just focused on the winter rounds.”
As a result, Kato combines ambition with discipline ahead of his rookie F3 campaign. Backed by strong pre-season pace, detailed simulator preparation and a clear development plan with ART Grand Prix, he now turns his focus to delivering when the lights go out in Melbourne.
