FIA Formula 3 has confirmed its 2026 post-season testing programme, with F3 teams set to complete four days of running across Jerez and Barcelona in October.
The championship will begin its post-season programme at the Circuito de Jerez before moving to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the final on-track running of 2026. The two tests will give teams an early opportunity to turn their attention towards the 2027 campaign following the conclusion of another competitive F3 season.
Post-season testing traditionally provides an important opportunity for established drivers, potential rookies and teams to gather valuable mileage before the winter break. The 2025 post-season programme similarly featured extensive running as teams evaluated drivers and worked through their preparations for the following campaign.
Jerez opens 2026 F3 post-season testing
The FIA Formula 3 Championship confirmed that the first post-season test will take place at the Circuito de Jerez from 20–21 October.
Teams and drivers will therefore return to action a little over a month after the conclusion of the 2026 racing campaign. The two-day test will begin the championship’s final phase of track running for the year while also starting preparations for the following season.
Jerez has regularly played an important role in F3 testing programmes. Its combination of technical corners and varying corner speeds gives teams opportunities to gather data while drivers build experience with the F3 machinery.
The circuit also featured in the championship’s 2025 post-season programme, when several drivers used the test to gain experience before stepping onto the 2026 FIA Formula 3 grid.
Barcelona hosts final track action of 2026
Following the opening test in Jerez, teams will travel to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for another two days of running on 26–27 October.
Barcelona will host the final F3 track action of 2026, giving teams another opportunity to gather data before the championship enters its winter preparation period.
The Spanish circuit provides a familiar testing environment for the championship. F3 also began its 2026 campaign preparations at Barcelona, with the venue hosting three days of pre-season testing in February.
As a result, teams will return to a circuit where they already hold extensive data with the current machinery. The post-season test can therefore offer a useful reference point as they evaluate developments throughout the year and begin shaping their programmes for 2027.
Teams turn attention towards 2027 F3 season
The four days of testing will also provide the paddock with its first opportunity to begin looking beyond the recently completed campaign.
Post-season running often carries particular significance for drivers hoping to secure a place on the following year’s grid. Several members of the 2026 field used the previous year’s tests to become familiar with F3 machinery, work with prospective teams and prepare for their step into the championship.
For the teams, meanwhile, Jerez and Barcelona provide additional opportunities to collect information, assess drivers and refine their understanding of the car before winter preparations accelerate.
Fans will also be able to follow both tests through the official Formula 3 website. The championship will provide live blogs throughout the running alongside session reports and interviews at the end of each day. Formula 3 will also provide behind-the-scenes coverage across its social media channels.
With Jerez opening the programme on 20 October and Barcelona concluding it on 27 October, the two tests will bring the 2026 FIA Formula 3 season to a final close while preparations for 2027 begin in earnest.
