The Eurocup-3 Spanish Winter Championship returns for its second edition in 2026, offering a highly competitive environment for young drivers looking to hone their skills during the winter months. While a separate series from the main Eurocup-3 championship, the Spanish Winter Championship serves as a vital pre-season training ground, where aspiring drivers race alongside their peers in a competitive, cost-controlled environment.
This year’s championship will feature significant updates, both on and off the track, including new technology, an updated race format, and an expanded calendar across iconic European circuits. Let’s take a deeper look at what’s new for 2026 and what fans and drivers can expect from the Spanish Winter Championship.
What is the Eurocup-3 Spanish Winter Championship?
The Eurocup-3 Spanish Winter Championship is a winter series designed as a preparatory step for young, talented drivers aiming to progress to higher levels of single-seater racing. It features identical machinery for all competitors, ensuring that the focus is entirely on driver skill, racecraft, and team performance.
While the main Eurocup-3 series runs through the regular racing season, the winter series offers a concentrated, highly competitive environment where drivers can gain valuable experience ahead of the main season. It’s a crucial opportunity for drivers to build their portfolios, with many entering the winter series as part of their preparation for the upcoming racing year.
Key features of the Winter Championship:
- Intensive competition with a condensed race calendar
- Strictly controlled, cost-effective technical regulations
- A key stepping stone for drivers progressing to Formula 3 or other high-level championships
The 2026 Eurocup-3 Spanish Winter Championship Calendar
For 2026, the Eurocup-3 Spanish Winter Championship will visit three iconic European circuits, each offering a unique challenge for the drivers. The calendar provides a great mix of technical and fast tracks, ensuring that competitors can demonstrate their versatility on different types of circuits.
The 2026 Winter Series Calendar:
- Round 1: Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (Portimão) – 20–22 February
Known for its flowing corners and elevation changes, Portimão is a favourite among drivers and provides a challenging test right at the start of the season. - Round 2: Circuito del Jarama – 27 February–1 March
A tight and technical circuit that requires precision and concentration, Jarama is a classic track with a rich motorsport history. - Round 3: MotorLand Aragón – 13–15 March
A high-speed, modern venue that is known for its long straights and technical sections, Aragón offers a fantastic setting for the championship’s final round.
Each of these venues is a key part of the European motorsport calendar, providing drivers with the opportunity to race in front of important teams, manufacturers, and decision-makers in the motorsport world.
Where to watch?
Every race will be streamed on the Spanish Winter Championship YouTube channel. Live timing for all sessions will be available on Al Kamel Systems.
The machinery: New era for the Eurocup-3 Spanish Winter Championship
The 2026 Eurocup-3 Spanish Winter Championship marks a new era with the introduction of the Dallara 326 chassis, a significant upgrade from the Tatuus F3-T318 used in previous years. This shift aligns the winter series with the same technical specifications as the Euroformula Open and Super Formula Lights championships, meaning the drivers will have experience with machinery that is highly competitive at higher levels of single-seater racing.
Dallara 326 chassis: Next-gen performance and safety
The Dallara 326 chassis has been designed to offer improved performance while ensuring the highest levels of driver safety. With upgrades in both aerodynamics and structural integrity, the new chassis provides better downforce and grip, making the car more agile and responsive on track.
Key features of the Dallara 326 include:
- Enhanced aerodynamics for more efficient downforce and a better overall racing experience
- Stronger crash structures and a titanium Halo to meet the latest FIA safety regulations
- Increased stiffness and improved handling to provide more precise cornering and overall balance
This new chassis represents a huge step forward in terms of safety and performance, giving drivers the perfect platform to refine their racing skills ahead of the main season.
Toyota TGE33 Turbocharged Engine
The Dallara 326 is paired with the Toyota TGE33 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, developed by TOM’S, a respected name in motorsport engineering. This engine brings more power and efficiency compared to previous models, providing drivers with the speed they need to perform at the highest level.
The Toyota engine is:
- Turbocharged for enhanced power delivery and efficiency
- Reliable and energy-efficient, ensuring that teams can focus on strategy without worrying about engine performance
- Built to work in harmony with the new chassis, providing a well-balanced and responsive driving experience
These upgrades make the Dallara 326 and Toyota TGE33 engine combination a fantastic platform for young drivers to showcase their skills in a real-world racing environment.
Transmission and electronics
For the 2026 season, Eurocup-3 will also be using a HEWLAND gearbox paired with a ZF-SACHS clutch, known for their precision and durability. These systems allow for smooth and fast gear shifts, giving drivers the reliability they need in demanding conditions.
Additionally, the introduction of COSWORTH ECUs and a new ElectronicMarshalling system will ensure that all race day communications are seamless. These systems will allow for direct and instant communication between drivers, teams, and race officials, ensuring that races run smoothly and that any track limit violations are monitored in real-time.
Streamlined 2026 Eurocup-3 Spanish Winter Championship weekend format
The 2026 Eurocup-3 Spanish Winter Championship introduces a revised format designed to deliver action-packed weekends, with shorter test sessions and a new reverse-grid sprint race format. The aim is to provide both drivers and fans with more intense and unpredictable racing.
The Weekend Structure:
- Friday: Two 40-minute official test sessions (down from two-hour sessions in previous years)
- Saturday:
- A 20-minute qualifying session to set the grid for the first race
- Sprint Race (20 minutes + 1 lap) with the top 12 reversed from qualifying
- Sunday:
- A second 20-minute qualifying session to set the grid for the final race
- Feature Race (30 minutes + 1 lap)
This format ensures that drivers will have a chance to compete in different race conditions and strategies, with the reverse-grid sprint race adding a layer of excitement and unpredictability to each round.
Points System: Encouraging Consistency
To reward consistency and strong performance over the weekend, Eurocup-3’s points system for the 2026 winter championship will follow the FIA standard format:
- Feature Race (Races 1 & 3): 25 points for 1st place, down to 1 point for 10th place
- Sprint Race: 10 points for 1st place, down to 1 point for 10th place
- Fastest Lap: 1 point for the fastest lap in each race, provided the driver finishes in the top 10
- Qualifying: 2 points for the fastest driver in each qualifying session
This points structure ensures that the championship rewards both raw pace and race management across the weekend, making for a well-rounded and competitive series.
Teams and drivers: A competitive grid for the 2026 Eurocup-3 Spanish Winter Championship
The 2026 Eurocup-3 Spanish Winter Championship features a highly competitive grid, with a mix of experienced teams and exciting new entries. For this season, the series has introduced a hard limit of 30 cars across all teams, with each squad being allocated a maximum of four entries. This ensures a tightly controlled field, with a high level of competition and close racing throughout the winter series.
Some familiar faces return to the grid, alongside new teams looking to make an impact.
MP Motorsport
MP Motorsport enters the 2026 winter series as one of the most successful teams from last year, having secured both the winter series and main season teams’ titles in 2025. With a strong line-up, the Dutch squad will be one to watch.
- Ean Eyckmans (#4) – The 2025 Spanish F4 runner-up, Eyckmans brings significant experience to the team. After an impressive rookie season, he will be aiming to build on his momentum in Eurocup-3.
- Gianmarco Pradel (#12) – The Australian driver returns after a successful 2025 GB3 campaign where he finished 4th overall. With two wins and a hat-trick of podiums at Monza, Pradel is ready for the challenge.
- Alceu Feldmann Neto (#17) – The Brazilian driver makes his return to Eurocup-3 after competing in both the winter and main season with Sparco Palou MS in 2025. Known for his speed, Feldmann Neto will be keen to push for podiums.
- René Lammers (#99) – A standout performer in the 2025 Eurocup-4 winter series, Lammers is eager to carry his strong form into the winter championship after finishing 3rd overall in Eurocup-4.
Campos Racing
Campos Racing, runners-up in both the winter series and the main season in 2025, are back with another strong four-car line-up. The Spanish team will be aiming to claim the title this year.
- Patrick Heuzenroeder (#5) – The 2025 GB3 runner-up and experienced FR Oceania competitor, Heuzenroeder joins Campos with a lot of momentum. After a season of consistent podium finishes, he will be a serious contender.
- Thomas Strauven (#9) – The 2025 Spanish F4 champion, Strauven also won the 2025 winter series. With a solid track record of 10 wins in the main season, Strauven will bring his winning mindset to Eurocup-3.
- Enzo Tarnvanichkul (#10) – The Red Bull junior returns after a strong season in Eurocup-3, with one victory and multiple podiums. His experience in both Eurocup-3 and GB3 will make him one of the favourites.
- Alex Powell (#41) – Having finished 2nd in F4 Middle East, Powell is one of the rising stars. With solid performances in both Italian and Eurocup-3, he will be pushing for top results.
Palou Motorsport
Palou Motorsport, co-owned by IndyCar champion Álex Palou, enters the 2026 winter series with an exciting driver line-up. After a strong 2025 campaign, they are well-positioned to challenge for the title.
- Bianca Bustamante (#16) – After a season in GB3, Bustamante moves to Eurocup-3 with Palou Motorsport. The Filipina driver will be looking to make her mark and build on her experience.
- Heitor Dall’Agnol (#27) – The 2025 Brazilian F4 champion, Dall’Agnol had a stellar season with multiple wins and podiums. This talented 16-year-old will bring speed and racecraft to the series.
- Rafaël Pérard (#33) – After finishing 7th in French F4, Pérard joins Palou Motorsport with a lot of potential. The French driver will be looking to show his pace in the competitive winter series.
- James Egozi (#48) – The American driver had a strong 2025 season, finishing 9th in Eurocup-3 with a victory at Portimão. He also impressed in the winter series, finishing 3rd overall, making him one of the title contenders.
Drivex
Drivex, a team known for its strong performances in both Eurocup-4 and Spanish F4, enters the 2026 winter series with a mix of experienced drivers and fresh talent.
- Stylianos Kolovos (#6) – The Greek driver made his debut last season and is returning to the series after strong performances in the WSK and FIA Karting championships. Kolovos will be aiming to make his mark in Eurocup-3.
- Christopher Feghali (#7) – The Lebanese driver, a former Red Bull junior, returns after a season in Eurocup-4 and Spanish F4. Feghali impressed with two podiums in the winter series last year and will be looking for further success.
- Daniel Nogales (#13) – A former Eurocup-3 competitor, Nogales brings valuable experience to Drivex. After excelling in the Prototype Winter Series and European Le Mans Series, he’ll be looking to compete for podiums.
- Filippo Fiorentino (#37) – The Brazilian driver impressed in both Spanish F4 and Eurocup-3. Fiorentino is another driver capable of challenging for top results in the winter championship.
Hitech
Hitech, a well-established team in single-seater racing, enters Eurocup-3 with a strong four-car line-up. After success in both GB3 and FR Oceania, they are set to make their mark in the winter championship.
- Keanu Al Azhari (#14) – The Emirati driver joins Hitech after finishing 6th in GB3, with a win at Silverstone. Al Azhari has experience in both GT and Prototype racing, giving him the versatility needed to succeed.
- Stefan Bostandjiev (#23) – The Bulgarian driver moves up from GB4 and GB3, where he scored a win and multiple podiums. Bostandjiev will be looking to impress in his first full season at the FR level.
- Santino Panetta (#30) – The 16-year-old Argentine driver, with experience in both Spanish F4 and its winter series, will be eager to take the next step in his racing career.
- Gino Trappa (#84) – The 17-year-old Argentine is the reigning F4 CEZ champion and brings a wealth of experience to Hitech. Trappa’s multiple wins and podiums in F4 will make him a contender in Eurocup-3.
Tecnicar
Tecnicar, a Spanish team that debuted in the 2025 winter series, returns for 2026 with an exciting driver duo. After competing in both Eurocup-3 and F4 championships, they bring fresh talent to the grid.
- Kacper Sztuka (#2) – The Polish driver is a familiar face in Eurocup-3 after competing last season. Sztuka took a podium finish in the winter series and will be looking to challenge for more top positions in 2026.
- Benjamin Beckley (#20) – A single-seater debutant, the Costa Rican driver joins Tecnicar after testing F4 machinery. Beckley is a promising talent with a lot of potential to show in the competitive winter series.
TC Racing
TC Racing, a new team co-owned by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, enters Eurocup-3 with an exciting two-car lineup. The team will look to build on its experience from the Spanish F4 championship as it steps up to the FR level.
- Luca Viişoreanu (#11) – The Romanian driver has shown solid results in both Italian F4 and Euroformula Open. With a win at Monza, Viişoreanu is ready to show his pace in Eurocup-3.
- Renzo Barbuy (#31) – The 15-year-old Argentine driver makes his Eurocup-3 debut after competing in Brazilian F4. Barbuy impressed with a 7th place finish at Interlagos and will be looking for more in the winter series.
Double R Racing
Double R Racing, a UK-based team, makes a surprise return to the FR ranks after competing in W Series. With a rich history in Euroformula Open, they are back with a strong three-car lineup in Eurocup-3.
- Yuanpu Cui (#26) – The Chinese driver has experience in GB3 and FR Oceania. Cui finished 9th in FR Oceania in 2025 and will look to improve his results in the competitive Eurocup-3 series.
- Bart Harrison (#77) – The British driver has been competitive in both the Formula Winter Series and Italian F4. Harrison will be a strong contender in the 2026 winter series after a solid 2025 season.
- Lorenzo Campos (#91) – The 16-year-old Angolan driver joins Double R after competing in Eurocup-4 and Spanish F4. Campos will be eager to make an impact in his first full season in Eurocup-3.
A diverse mix on an equal grid
This diverse line-up brings together a mix of rising stars, seasoned professionals, and experienced teams. With all teams having equal access to the new Dallara 326 chassis, the 2026 winter championship is sure to deliver an exciting, action-packed season where driver skill and teamwork will be key to success.
The competitive grid, combined with the equal machinery, will make for a thrilling winter championship, and fans can expect fierce battles at every turn as the drivers look to showcase their talent and claim victory.
Conclusion: A thrilling 2026 Eurocup-3 Spanish Winter Championship ahead
The 2026 Eurocup-3 Spanish Winter Championship promises to be an exciting and competitive season, setting the stage for young drivers to prove their worth on some of Europe’s most iconic circuits. With an expanded calendar, a new era of machinery, and an innovative race format, the winter series is shaping up to be a thrilling prelude to the main Eurocup-3 season.
The introduction of the Dallara 326 chassis and Toyota TGE33 turbocharged engine provides the drivers with cutting-edge technology, giving them the perfect platform to hone their skills in a highly competitive environment. The equal machinery and cost-controlled technical regulations ensure that the focus remains squarely on driver talent, making this an essential proving ground for aspiring motorsport stars.
The competitive grid, featuring established teams like MP Motorsport, Campos Racing, and Palou Motorsport alongside emerging squads such as TC Racing and Tecnicar, will ensure that fans are treated to high-level racing and intense battles throughout the season. With a mix of experienced drivers and promising newcomers, every round promises to be full of action, making the 2026 winter series an unmissable spectacle.
As drivers aim to secure their place in the higher echelons of single-seater racing, the Eurocup-3 Spanish Winter Championship will undoubtedly continue to serve as a key stepping stone on the path to greater success in the motorsport world. Whether you’re a fan of up-and-coming talent or seasoned racers, the 2026 edition is sure to deliver some of the most exciting racing of the season.
