Xcel Motorsport’s Rowan Campbell-Pilling heads to Donington Park with renewed confidence after producing his strongest GB3 weekend of the 2026 season at Silverstone.
The British driver claimed two podium finishes during the previous round and also secured his best Qualifying result of the campaign, earning second on the grid for Race 2.
Campbell-Pilling now returns to his local circuit looking to build on that momentum, having already shown encouraging pace at Donington during pre-season testing with the upgraded Tatuus MSV GB3-025.
Silverstone provides major step forward
Campbell-Pilling entered Silverstone looking to convert his underlying speed into stronger results and delivered his most complete weekend of the season so far.
Starting fifth in Race 1, he climbed to third and secured his first podium at the chequered flag. Although he had previously inherited a podium at the Hungaroring following post-race penalties, Silverstone marked the first time he crossed the line inside the top three.
He then improved further in Race 2. Starting from second, Campbell-Pilling retained the position and kept eventual winner Deagen Fairclough under pressure throughout the 25-minute contest.
“We did a fabulous job,” Campbell-Pilling admitted. “We’re on a great trajectory and we just need to maximise and consolidate on the pace we’ve got. At Silverstone we did that, we ticked a few boxes. Now we need to take that to Donington, get those last little bits sorted and have a great end to the year.”
The results gave Campbell-Pilling tangible reward for the progress Xcel Motorsport has made during the season and provided another indication that the team can consistently compete near the front.
Home support adds extra motivation for Campbell-Pilling at Donington
Donington also carries additional significance for Campbell-Pilling. The Sheffield resident considers the circuit his local venue and expects a sizeable group of supporters to attend. That follows a strong turnout at Silverstone, where he enjoyed one of his best weekends in GB3.
“I’m looking forward to going up t’north to Donington! We’ll have great support there, we had awesome support at Silverstone as well, it was amazing to see so many people and familiar faces there. Donington has always been a relatively strong track for me, so I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do there.”
His previous form at the venue gives him further reason for optimism. Campbell-Pilling finished the final day of pre-season testing at Donington second fastest in March, providing an early indication that the circuit suited both driver and car.
Campbell-Pilling relishing GB3-025 challenge
The 2026 season has introduced the upgraded Tatuus MSV GB3-025, and Campbell-Pilling believes the car should prove particularly impressive around Donington’s varied layout.
He has grown increasingly comfortable with the machinery as the campaign has developed and highlighted both the car’s performance and Xcel Motorsport’s progress.
“It’s an awesome car and there’s no hiding that we’re really fast, and as a team we’re doing a really good job too.
Donington presents a broad range of challenges, from high-speed commitment through the Craner Curves and Old Hairpin to the heavy braking zones later in the lap.
Campbell-Pilling expects those characteristics to showcase the capabilities of the current GB3 car.
“Donington is a really cool track and the chicane is awesome. There’s two big braking zones at the Melbourne Hairpin and Goddards, there’s a massive variation in corners; the high speed at the Old Hairpin and a lot of elevation as well, almost a backwards Eau Rouge down hill!
“So it’s a really cool circuit, I’m looking forward to going there and the cars will be mega for those watching.”
Momentum building at crucial stage of season
Campbell-Pilling’s Silverstone performance arrived at an important point in his campaign, giving him confidence heading into the closing stages of the year.
Rather than needing to find a major step in outright performance, his focus now sits on refining the smaller details and consistently converting Xcel Motorsport’s pace into results.
With two podiums already secured last time out and previous testing speed at Donington, the next round gives Campbell-Pilling another opportunity to establish himself among the regular front-runners.
