The 2025 FIA Formula 3 post-season continues this week as teams and drivers head to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the second round of testing. After a productive debut in Jerez, the 30-driver field returns to a familiar circuit to refine their understanding of the 2026 F3 car, validate data, and chase performance gains before the winter break.
Scheduling
Running begins on Wednesday morning at 09:00 local time, continuing until 12:00, before resuming from 14:00 to 17:00. Thursday follows a similar format but with a shorter break, as the afternoon session runs from 13:00 to 16:00. Across both days, teams will combine qualifying simulations with long-run testing to understand tyre behaviour and fuel load balance.
Fans can follow both days of running via live timing on the official Formula 3 website, alongside exclusive content on the championship’s social media channels. As the final laps are completed on Thursday afternoon, the pecking order for 2026 will begin to take shape, bringing the 2025 post-season programme to a close.
Recap: Jerez sets the benchmark
The opening post-season test at Circuito de Jerez set the tone for winter preparations. MP Motorsport dominated Day 1, with Alessandro Giusti setting the morning benchmark of 1:30.732 and Tuukka Taponen topping the afternoon on 1:31.980. The pair’s performance underlined MP’s strength in both low-fuel and race-run conditions, while Campos Racing’s Ugo Ugochukwu and Ernesto Rivera stayed close behind throughout the day.
Day 2, however, saw the momentum shift. Campos Racing took charge, with Ugochukwu producing a sensational 1:30.012 to set the fastest time of the entire test. Rivera followed with a 1:30.605 to lead the afternoon, giving Campos a clean sweep and highlighting the team’s blend of outright speed and long-run control. Hitech TGR also impressed, with Jin Nakamura, Michael Shin, and Fionn McLaughlin all featuring in the top five, showcasing the team’s race consistency and reliability.
Competitive balance and key performers
The two days in Jerez revealed a balanced field heading into Barcelona. MP Motorsport displayed strong braking performance and consistent tyre management, while Campos proved quick in both qualifying and race conditions. Trident and PREMA Racing showed flashes of pace through Freddie Slater, Noah Strømsted, and Louis Sharp but remain just short of matching the frontrunners. ART Grand Prix and Rodin Motorsport used Jerez primarily for mileage and setup refinement, gradually closing the gap to the leaders.
Among the standout performers, Ugochukwu and Rivera enter Barcelona as early form favourites, while Giusti and Taponen remain confident after their Day 1 dominance. Rookies such as Slater, Christian Ho, and Taito Kato impressed with adaptability, and Van Amersfoort’s Jesse Carrasquedo continued to develop strongly across both short and long runs.
Barcelona: A true all-round test
At 4.657 km, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is a complete test of car performance, combining long straights with technical corners that challenge both aerodynamics and mechanical grip. Sector 1 rewards precision under braking, Sector 2 tests mid-corner stability through high-speed sweepers, and Sector 3 exposes traction and tyre wear. Success here depends on achieving consistent balance across varying conditions, making it the ideal venue to assess both car and driver readiness.
With rubber build-up expected to raise grip levels, teams will chase the 2023 post-season benchmark of 1:27.209 set by Mari Boya for Campos Racing. Cooler autumn temperatures should allow for strong times late in the test, particularly during Thursday’s afternoon session. Engineers will focus on refining ride heights, brake migration, and differential settings to optimise both peak pace and long-run performance.
Final opportunity before the off-season
All 30 drivers return for Barcelona, ensuring full continuity from Jerez. For the 13 rookies experiencing F3 machinery for the first time, these two days provide vital preparation before winter simulation work begins. The test marks the second-to-last live data window before teams shift focus to factory development and simulator validation ahead of 2026.
MP Motorsport and Campos Racing arrive as the clear pace-setters, while Trident, Hitech, and PREMA aim to close the gap. With tyre management, consistency, and operational efficiency in focus, the Barcelona sessions are set to define early momentum heading into the new season.
