The long winter break has finally ended, and the GB3 Championship roars back into life this weekend. The iconic Grand Prix circuit at Silverstone hosts the opening round of the 2026 GB3 season, where a highly competitive and international field prepares to launch its title campaigns.
A total of 23 drivers from 14 different nationalities make up this year’s grid, underlining the championship’s global appeal and its status as a key stepping stone towards Formula 1.
Moreover, the season begins with a clear sense of anticipation, as both returning contenders and ambitious rookies arrive with genuine expectations of success.
Testing builds momentum ahead of Qualifying
Before competitive sessions begin, teams will use two full days of testing to fine-tune their cars and gather crucial data. This track time proves especially important given the introduction of new machinery for 2026.
Thursday features three sessions, followed by two further runs on Friday:
Thursday 23 April (live timing)
- 09:35–10:05
- 11:50–12:20
- 14:50–15:20
Friday 24 April (live timing)
- 10:45–11:15
- 15:15–15:45
In total, drivers receive 150 minutes of track time. Consequently, teams must work efficiently to optimise setups while drivers adapt quickly to both the circuit and evolving conditions. At this stage, even small improvements can prove decisive once qualifying begins.
Faster cars set to rewrite the record books
This season introduces a significant technical evolution with the updated Tatuus MSV GB3-025 car. Most notably, a new 2.4-litre naturally aspirated Mountune engine replaces the previous unit, delivering increased torque and stronger acceleration.
In addition, engineers have implemented aerodynamic refinements and chassis upgrades. As a result, pre-season testing has already shown lap times improving by more than two seconds compared to last year.
These gains suggest that Silverstone could see record-breaking performances across the weekend. Indeed, early benchmarks indicate that these cars rank among the fastest single-seaters outside of Formula 1 machinery at the circuit.
Strong contenders for 2026 GB3 Silverstone opener emerge from pre-season testing
As testing unfolded, several drivers established themselves as early favourites. Hitech’s Deagen Fairclough leads the list after consistently topping timing sheets, including multiple sessions at Silverstone itself.
Meanwhile, Rodin Motorsport presents a formidable line-up. Maxim Rehm has already demonstrated impressive speed, while Martin Molnar has adapted quickly following his step up to the series. Alongside them, reigning F1 Academy champion Abbi Pulling continues to show strong pace and consistency.
Elsewhere, Xcel Motorsport builds on a strong debut season by fielding a competitive trio, while Hillspeed and Elite Motorsport both bring drivers capable of challenging at the front. As a result, the grid appears exceptionally well-matched, which should lead to close battles throughout the field.
Full entry list: 2026 GB3 Silverstone grid
The opening round features a talented and diverse group of drivers:
Rodin Motorsport
- Maxim Rehm (Germany)
- Martin Molnar (Hungary)
- Abbi Pulling (Great Britain)
Hitech
- Jin Nakamura (Japan)
- Yuhao “Felix” Fu (China)
- Deagen Fairclough (Great Britain)
Xcel Motorsport
- Lucas Fluxa (Spain)
- Rowan Campbell-Pilling (Great Britain)
- Ricardo Baptista (Brazil)
Hillspeed
- Dante Vinci (Australia)
- Peter Bouzinelos (Australia)
- Aurelia Nobels (Brazil)
Elite Motorsport
- Kirill Kutskov (Kyrgyzstan)
- Flynn Jackes (Philippines)
- Kyuho Lee (South Korea)
VRD Racing
- Nikita Bedrin (Italy)
- Patricio Gonzalez (Mexico)
- Rodrigo Gonzalez (Mexico)
Fortec Motorsports
- Alex Kattoulas (Japan/Greece)
- Jack Taylor (Australia)
Arden Motorsport
- Lewis Gilbert (Great Britain)
- Leon Wilson (Great Britain)
Nitrous Competitions ADM Racing
- Jason Pribyl (USA)
This line-up blends experienced returnees with ambitious rookies, further increasing the unpredictability of the opening weekend.
Qualifying and race format shape the weekend
The competitive action begins in earnest on Saturday, where the championship retains its high-pressure two-part Qualifying format:
Saturday 25 April
- 10:40 – Qualifying 1
- 11:00 – Qualifying Two
- 15:10 – Race One
Importantly, each Qualifying session determines the grid for a different race. Therefore, drivers must deliver peak performance twice within a short window. Any mistake could compromise multiple race results, increasing the stakes significantly.
Following Qualifying, Race 1 opens the season on Saturday afternoon, setting the tone for the remainder of the weekend. The action continues into Sunday with two further races, completing a demanding triple-header:
Sunday 26 April
- 11:16 – Race 2
- 17:25 – Race 3
Each race runs for 25 minutes, which encourages aggressive yet calculated driving. Furthermore, the condensed format ensures that drivers must balance risk and reward carefully. A strong weekend depends not only on outright speed but also on consistency across all three races.
Consequently, early championship standings may already reflect which drivers can combine pace with discipline under pressure.
How to follow the 2026 GB3 Silverstone action
Fans can follow every moment of the weekend through a combination of live timing and live streaming.
Live timing provides continuous updates during testing, qualifying and races, while full race coverage streams online via the GB3 website, the MSV TV YouTube channel and Facebook. Each broadcast begins 20 minutes before the race, offering previews and post-race analysis.
Additionally, spectators attending Silverstone can access the open paddock, creating opportunities to meet drivers and experience the championship up close.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season
Following Silverstone, the championship embarks on an international schedule that includes Spa-Francorchamps, the Hungaroring and the Red Bull Ring. Later in the year, GB3 returns to the UK before concluding its campaign in Barcelona.
Crucially, the series continues to build its reputation as a proven pathway to the highest levels of motorsport. Many recent graduates have progressed to Formula 1 and other elite categories, reinforcing the importance of strong performances at this level.
With faster cars, a deep and competitive grid, and a demanding three-race format, the 2026 GB3 season opener promises an exciting spectacle. As drivers push the limits of new machinery and fight for early momentum, Silverstone stands ready to deliver a dramatic start to the campaign.
