MotorSport Vision’s 2026 GB3 Championship car has taken a significant leap forward, following a key on-track evaluation at Donington Park in early October. The upgraded machine, featuring a heavily revised Mountune 2.4-litre engine and a host of technical enhancements, completed its first public test during a dedicated session prior to the penultimate rounds of the 2025 season.
With 2024 GB3 runner-up and current Van Amersfoort Racing Formula 2 driver John Bennett behind the wheel, the early signs point to a meaningful performance boost that could redefine the championship’s role as a springboard to higher levels of single-seater racing.
A step forward in performance
The Donington Park test marked the first public run of the development-spec GB3 car, incorporating a new 2.4-litre normally aspirated Mountune engine, several technical refinements, and early-stage aerodynamic updates. Lap times were immediately telling: the development car was over a second per lap faster than existing GB3 machinery, highlighting the performance ceiling MSV aims to unlock with the 2026 package.
“It’s still a lot of fun to drive, and the extra torque really improves the package,” said John Bennett, who previously tested the 2025-specification car earlier in the year. “The extra mid-range makes a great difference to how you can apply the throttle, in low, medium and high speed corners. It makes the car feel a lot more alive, without losing its nimble handling. I can already tell drivers will love it – it will definitely be breaking GB3 lap records across the board.”
Engine evolution: Torque and relevance
The centrepiece of the upgrade package is the new Mountune-built 2.4-litre engine, which replaces the current 2.0-litre unit. Built for both power and durability, the engine delivers 25% more torque, thanks to significant internal revisions including a forged crankshaft, aluminium pistons, and a billet-machined aluminium cylinder head designed to aerospace standards.
Bennett, who became the first GB3 graduate to jump directly into Formula 2—bypassing F3 entirely—believes the engine upgrade adds crucial realism for drivers eyeing the upper rungs of the motorsport ladder.
“The change will also increase the delta on lap time from old tyres to new, as well as increasing tyre degradation and possibly more tyre management will be needed in the races – all important aspects on the F1 ladder.”
Chassis and aero: Balanced and responsive
While full aerodynamic upgrades are still in testing, early changes trialled at Donington include adjustments aimed at increasing efficiency and balance. Engineers have already observed improved downforce and reduced drag following wind tunnel development work at Catesby Tunnel.
Additionally, chassis revisions—such as a reinforced rocker post, front deck stabilisation, and internal bridge support—aim to improve rigidity and prolong the life of the tub, while simultaneously improving feedback and precision on track.
Gearbox and system improvements
To match the new engine’s output and increased grip levels, the gearbox has received an upgraded oil injection system, with direct lubrication at the gear mesh point. Alongside this, advanced surface treatments are being implemented to extend component life and reduce race weekend wear-and-tear.
Elsewhere, systems like the DRS, cooling, and exhaust have all undergone targeted weight savings, helping to trim overall mass and keep the car agile despite the added mechanical strength.
Final testing before 2026 launch
MSV will continue testing the car in the coming weeks, including full aerodynamic evaluations. The car remains on schedule for its 2026 debut, and MSV will deliver most of the technical upgrades to teams free of charge, reinforcing the series’ commitment to affordability and value.
As lap times fall and drivability improves, the 2026-spec GB3 car looks set to raise the bar for junior single-seater racing in the UK and Europe. With the backing of experienced development drivers and thorough engineering input, GB3 continues to refine its role as a vital proving ground on the path to Formula 1.
