Kean Nakamura-Berta described his first day of 2026 FIA Formula 3 (F3) post-season testing as a productive learning experience after setting the fastest lap at the Circuito de Jerez. The British driver recorded a 1:31.169 for Trident during Tuesday afternoon’s session, narrowly beating Campos Racing’s Mattia Colnaghi and Ernesto Rivera.
The Williams Driver Academy member finished just 0.002 seconds ahead of Colnaghi, while Rivera followed 0.011 seconds behind. Despite the closely contested times, Nakamura-Berta emphasised that adapting to the F3 car remained his primary objective as he began preparing for his rookie campaign in 2027.
Having already secured multiple championships in Formula 4 and Formula Regional competition, the 18-year-old now faces another significant step in his single-seater career. His opening performance provided an encouraging introduction to the category, although he acknowledged that further improvements would be necessary before the new season.
Nakamura-Berta encouraged by productive opening day of 2026 F3 testing in Jerez
Nakamura-Berta began his first official FIA F3 test by completing installation laps and familiarising himself with the car during Tuesday morning’s running. He finished the opening session 15th with a 1:31.829 before improving considerably during the afternoon.
The British driver eventually moved to the top of the classification during the closing stages, benefiting from a fresh set of hard tyres as Trident completed its final qualifying simulations. His 1:31.169 remained unbeaten, although Colnaghi and Rivera subsequently came close to displacing him.
Reflecting on the session to Formula 3, Nakamura-Berta expressed satisfaction with his initial progress while acknowledging the considerable differences between Formula Regional and F3 machinery.
“Overall it was a very productive day,” Nakamura-Berta said, describing the transition to F3 as a significant challenge that required him to learn throughout the session.
He also praised the Circuito de Jerez, highlighting its combination of heavy braking zones and high-speed corners. The demanding layout provided an opportunity to develop his understanding of the car while identifying areas requiring further attention.
Although he welcomed the strong opening result, Nakamura-Berta stressed that differences between teams’ testing programmes made outright lap times difficult to interpret.
Tyre preparation emerges as key area for improvement
One of Nakamura-Berta’s biggest challenges involved managing the tyres during qualifying simulations. The British driver explained that preparing the compound to deliver its maximum performance over a single flying lap proved particularly difficult during his first experience of the car.
The 18-year-old initially struggled to find the correct preparation approach, preventing him from consistently extracting the available grip during the morning and early afternoon sessions. However, improvements towards the end of the day helped him establish a stronger rhythm and eventually record the fastest time.
His comments highlighted the importance of tyre preparation in FIA F3, where drivers must manage their out-laps carefully to maximise performance during short qualifying runs.
Nakamura-Berta acknowledged that he still needed to improve several aspects of his driving, despite the progress made throughout Tuesday’s running. Rather than focusing solely on his position at the top of the classification, he viewed the result as an indication that his understanding of the car was developing.
The experience will be particularly valuable ahead of his rookie season, when qualifying performance and tyre management could significantly influence his prospects across Sprint and Feature Races.
Trident’s experience provides valuable support
Nakamura-Berta also highlighted the importance of working with Trident as he continues adapting to FIA F3 machinery. The Italian team has an established record of developing drivers progressing from Formula Regional, having previously supported championship-winning campaigns for Gabriel Bortoleto, Leonardo Fornaroli and Rafael Câmara.
That experience provides Nakamura-Berta with access to extensive performance data from previous seasons, allowing him to compare his driving and technical feedback against established reference points.
The British driver explained that the team would continue evaluating its internal data rather than allowing its testing programme to be influenced by the competitive order. With drivers completing different run plans and using different tyre compounds, he recognised that direct comparisons could prove misleading.
His confidence in Trident follows his confirmation for the 2027 FIA F3 Championship, where he will compete alongside Sebastian Wheldon and Niccolò Maccagnani.
The trio demonstrated encouraging pace during the opening test, with Maccagnani finishing fourth in the afternoon session and Wheldon eighth. Their performances provided Trident with a strong starting point as the team aims to challenge for both championships in 2027.
Focus remains on development ahead of 2027 season
Despite ending the opening day fastest, Nakamura-Berta remained focused on maximising the remaining testing opportunities rather than pursuing another leading lap time.
The British driver confirmed that Trident still had medium and hard tyres available for Wednesday’s running, providing further opportunities to evaluate different preparation methods and car characteristics.
He also emphasised the importance of continuing the team’s planned programme, using its previous experience and performance data to identify areas for improvement. Although he acknowledged the satisfaction of seeing competitive lap times, he considered the information gathered during testing more valuable for his long-term preparation.
The approach reflects the challenges facing drivers making the step from Formula Regional to FIA F3. Nakamura-Berta enters the championship following a successful 2026 campaign, during which he won the Formula Regional Middle East Trophy and finished third in the European championship with three victories and eight podiums.
Having already demonstrated strong outright pace at Jerez, he will now aim to improve his consistency and understanding of the car before his rookie season begins.
The 2026 FIA F3 post-season testing programme continues at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on 26–27 October, providing Nakamura-Berta and Trident with another opportunity to build on their initial progress.
