PREMA Racing has confirmed that Alex Powell, Jin Nakamura and Martin Molnár will represent the Italian outfit during the 2026 FIA Formula 3 (F3) post-season tests in Spain. The trio will participate in four days of running across two circuits as teams begin preparations for the 2027 championship.
Testing begins at the Circuito de Jerez on 20–21 October before moving to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on 26–27 October. The programme will provide PREMA with an opportunity to evaluate its drivers while gathering data ahead of the upcoming season.
Powell returns after making his FIA F3 debut with PREMA during the final two rounds of 2026, while Nakamura joins the team for testing after completing his rookie campaign with Hitech. Meanwhile, Hungarian driver Molnár will gain his first experience of FIA F3 machinery following a competitive debut season in GB3.
Alex Powell returns after impressive FIA F3 debut
Powell will continue working with PREMA after joining the team for the final two rounds of the 2026 FIA F3 Championship. The 18-year-old replaced Louis Sharp ahead of Monza, making his debut before securing his maiden podium during the Madrid season finale.
The American-Jamaican driver finished third in the Madrid Sprint Race, demonstrating his ability to adapt quickly to the championship’s machinery. The result came during just his second race weekend in F3, providing a promising conclusion to his limited campaign.
Powell already has an established relationship with PREMA, having competed with the Italian squad in Formula 4. He secured the 2024 Italian F4 Rookie Championship before finishing runner-up in the 2025 Formula 4 UAE Championship. His 2026 programme also included Eurocup-3 appearances with Campos Racing, allowing him to gain experience in more powerful single-seaters.
Born in 2007 and raised in Miami, Powell has Jamaican and Colombian heritage and spent part of his childhood in Trinidad and Tobago, where he began karting. His return to PREMA therefore continues a partnership that has played an important role in his development.
“I’m super excited to be working with Prema again in the post season tests,” Powell said. “We ended the F3 season on a good note last time out in Madrid, and I look forward to building on that good momentum.”
Jin Nakamura joins PREMA after rookie season with Hitech
Nakamura will switch from Hitech to PREMA for the post-season tests, bringing experience from international single-seater racing and Japanese endurance competition. The Toyota Gazoo Racing-affiliated driver contested the 2026 FIA F3 Championship with Hitech while also participating in selected GB3 events.
The Japanese driver began 2026 in the Formula Regional Oceania Championship, finishing fourth overall after securing six podiums. He subsequently competed in FIA F3 alongside Woohyun Shin and Fionn McLaughlin, gaining experience across the championship’s international calendar.
Nakamura’s previous achievements include finishing tenth in both the Formula Regional Middle East and European Championships in 2025, with victories and podium finishes strengthening his single-seater record. He also competed in the Michelin Le Mans Cup’s LMP3 category, broadening his experience beyond formula racing.
Before moving to Europe, Nakamura established himself in Japanese motorsport. He finished fourth in Super Formula Lights in 2024, securing a victory and seven additional podiums, while also winning the Super Taikyu ST-2 title. His earlier Japanese F4 campaigns included finishing runner-up in 2023 with three victories.
Nakamura welcomed the opportunity to work with PREMA, highlighting the importance of gaining additional experience within a successful international team.
“Working with PREMA, one of the biggest names in single-seater racing during these tests will be a valuable chance for me to continue learning and developing in a highly competitive environment,” Nakamura said.
His participation also renews a relationship between PREMA and Toyota, which previously worked together in junior single-seater competition.
Martin Molnár prepares for first FIA F3 test
Molnár joins PREMA following a successful progression through British junior single-seater competition. The Hungarian driver will make his first appearance in FIA F3 machinery after competing in the 2026 GB3 Championship with Rodin Motorsport.
The 18-year-old began his single-seater career in British F4 in 2024, securing the Rookie Championship and receiving the Team Managers’ Award. He returned to the category the following year, claiming two victories, three pole positions and eight podium finishes on his way to third in the overall standings.
His achievements continued in 2026 after moving into GB3, where he secured a podium during his debut weekend at Silverstone. Molnár subsequently added further podium finishes and established himself among the championship’s leading contenders, with seven podiums recorded ahead of the season finale.
He currently sits fourth in the GB3 Drivers’ Championship standings, remaining involved in the battle for the leading positions heading into the final round at Barcelona.
Molnár has already visited PREMA’s headquarters in Italy to complete simulator preparations and a seat fitting, allowing him to begin familiarising himself with the team before testing.
“I’m really happy to have the opportunity to take part in the official FIA F3 post-season test with such a prestigious team,” Molnár said. “I’ve already visited the team’s headquarters in Italy to prepare on the simulator and have my seat fitted for the test.”
PREMA welcomes returning drivers and new talent
PREMA Racing CEO and Team Principal Stephen Mitas welcomed the three-driver line-up, highlighting the different experience each competitor will bring to the programme.
Powell’s return provides continuity following his promising introduction to FIA F3, while Nakamura offers additional experience from Japan and Europe. Molnár will also have an opportunity to demonstrate his potential after progressing through British F4 and GB3.
“We’re really excited about the line-up joining us for the post-season F3 tests in Spain,” Mitas said. “Alex made an excellent impression earlier this year, adapting quickly and reaching the podium in just his second weekend with the team.”
Mitas also highlighted Nakamura’s arrival as an opportunity to renew PREMA’s association with Toyota. The Japanese manufacturer previously supported several drivers competing with the team, and its involvement with Nakamura provides another opportunity for cooperation.
Meanwhile, Molnár’s performances in British junior single-seater competition attracted the team’s attention, with Mitas expressing enthusiasm about assessing the Hungarian in FIA F3 machinery.
The tests will allow PREMA to evaluate all three drivers under the same team structure while developing its preparations for 2027. However, participation in the post-season programme does not constitute confirmation of a race seat for the upcoming championship.
FIA F3 post-season testing begins at Jerez
The 2026 FIA F3 post-season programme will feature two separate two-day tests, beginning at Jerez on 20–21 October before concluding at Barcelona on 26–27 October.
The sessions represent the championship’s final official on-track running of 2026, providing teams with opportunities to evaluate potential drivers and refine their preparations for the following season. For established competitors, the programme offers additional experience, while newcomers can begin adapting to the technical and physical demands of FIA F3.
PREMA enters the tests following a challenging 2026 campaign but will look to build on the progress demonstrated during the closing rounds. Powell’s Madrid podium provided an encouraging result, while Nakamura’s experience and Molnár’s performances in GB3 offer additional opportunities for evaluation.
The Italian squad will now begin its four-day testing programme with all three drivers, using the sessions to assess performance and establish a stronger foundation ahead of the 2027 season.
