MP Motorsport completed a demanding but constructive three-day programme at the 2026 F3 pre-season test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. While the timing screens did not always flatter the Dutch outfit, the team focused firmly on long-term gains rather than short-term headlines.
Across the test, MP racked up 561 laps, placing strong emphasis on understanding tyre behaviour, evaluating setup changes and refining balance across varying fuel loads. Cool and changeable conditions — particularly on Day 1 — created an evolving track surface, which further complicated the picture. Nevertheless, the team gathered significant data that they now plan to consolidate before the season opener in Melbourne.
Speaking to Formula 3, Team Manager Frank Coekaerts acknowledged the emotional swings that inevitably accompany pre-season testing. Eh said, “Pre-season testing is always a mixed bag of emotions, because one day you’re the hero and the next day it looks like you don’t know what you’re doing.”
Giusti pushes through illness to complete programme
Preparation did not run entirely smoothly. Alessandro Giusti began the week battling a stomach illness, which inevitably compromised his physical comfort in the cockpit. Even so, he completed all three days of running and fulfilled the team’s planned schedule.
Giusti, alongside Tuukka Taponen and rookie Mattia Colnaghi, executed their respective run plans with discipline. On the morning of Day 2 — when track conditions peaked — all three drivers demonstrated encouraging one-lap speed. That performance underlined the car’s potential when conditions and balance aligned.
However, the picture shifted during the qualifying simulation runs on the opening session of Day 3. Taponen finished eighth on the timesheets, while Giusti and Colnaghi placed 24th and 29th respectively. Rather than chasing ultimate lap time, MP deliberately chose to trial alternative setup directions.
Coekaerts clarified that approach explaining, “We were confident with our baseline and on the last day we tried different things on the car. But it’s also good to know what not to do. “All in all, we have a lot to take back and to put all the good bits together. We’re confident that from Melbourne we will be in the mix.
“I think it’s also clear that the usual suspects will be at the front, but like I said, we are confident that we will be up there as well as a team, because indeed we have three good drivers.”
Therefore, although the final standings suggested inconsistency, the internal data told a more encouraging story. The team validated its core setup philosophy while identifying directions to avoid — knowledge that often proves just as valuable.
Colnaghi to focus on building consistency over long runs as he adapts to MP Motorsport ahead of 2026 F3 campaign
Meanwhile, Colnaghi used the test to accelerate his adaptation to Formula 3 machinery. The Italian completed 171 laps, gaining vital experience ahead of his rookie season in tyre management, energy deployment and race simulation scenarios.
Single-lap pace did not concern the team. Instead, long-run consistency remains the primary area for refinement.
“What he struggles with most is the long runs and that still needs work,” explained Coekaerts. “We tried to help him with a few different things. It was maybe not always in the right direction, but at least now we know which way to go with him. I’m pretty sure he will deliver this season.”
As a result, MP leaves Barcelona with clear developmental targets for their rookie driver. By isolating weaknesses early, the engineers can now tailor simulator work and pre-Melbourne preparation accordingly.
MP Motorsport turns eyes on 2026 F3 Melbourne showdown
Ultimately, testing provides information — not points. Coekaerts emphasised that reality as attention turned towards Round 1 in Australia.
“It looks good. On paper it looks good. But it needs to be proven on track,” said Coerkaerts. “That is it. Everybody goes away from here with the same number of points. We will see after qualifying in Melbourne where we are. But like I said, we are confident of being up there.”
Consequently, MP Motorsport heads to Melbourne with cautious confidence rather than inflated expectation. The Barcelona test did not unfold perfectly; nevertheless, it delivered clarity, direction and a substantial bank of data. Now, the team must convert that groundwork into performance when the lights go out for the first competitive session of 2026.
