Van Amersfoort Racing delivered a standout performance during Barcelona F3 Qualifying, with all three of its drivers securing positions inside the top 10. Team Principal Bradley Joyce described the result as a “well-earned” success for the Dutch outfit, highlighting the team’s collective execution under pressure.
A cohesive effort across the grid
Leading the charge for VAR, rookie Théophile Naël secured an impressive fourth place. Close behind, teammates Santiago Ramos and Ivan Domingues claimed fifth and seventh respectively—marking Domingues’ best qualifying result of the season to date.
Following the session, Joyce expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, especially given the tight margins around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
“It was the first time we’ve managed to get all three cars together in the top 10, so we’re really happy,” Joyce remarked. “Obviously, we tested here in the winter, so it does close the field up a bit, but we’re happy with all three drivers, they did a good job.”
Precision execution amid challenging conditions
Joyce noted that while winter testing had familiarised teams with the track, executing a flawless Qualifying session still required a high level of precision from all involved.
“It does make it more satisfying a bit because you have to get everything right to be able to do that. The drivers have to drive good laps, the balance has to be there, the tyre prep has to work, and the actual Qualifying run plan does as well.”
He also highlighted the logistical challenges the team faced. “We were quite far down the pitlane which also made things difficult. So the strategy has to be right as well to get your tyres into the right window and in order to get a clean lap.”
Delivering when it mattered most
All three VAR drivers found crucial improvements during the closing moments of the session, capitalising on optimal track conditions and managing the pressure of the final flying laps.
“There is some track improvement as the session goes on so the times do get better. Then it’s up to the driver to do it on that final lap because otherwise you’re not going to be up there.”
Joyce emphasised the importance of this collective step forward, especially considering earlier missed opportunities.
“We were really impressed and happy. We’ve not done as well in Qualifying as the car is capable of doing in a couple of events this year, so it’s good because to do well in this Championship, you need all three drivers to be performing at their maximum, which I think they did today.”
Momentum and morale on the rise at Van Amersfoort Racing
This result arrives at a critical time in the season and serves as a morale boost for the entire VAR team, from mechanics to engineers. Joyce commended the squad for their excellent efforts when it counted most.
“It’s a massive confidence boost for the team because there’s so much pressure and you don’t get that much running, just a couple of laps in Free Practice before the tyres aren’t at their best anymore.”
The VAR boss, especially commended the work of Santiago Ramos. Ramos, who has enjoyed a strong run through the current triple-header, will be aiming to continue scoring points throughout the weekend. Joyce praised both his consistency and Domingues’ steady improvement.
“Santiago – he delivers and has been delivering well and Ivan is showing the kind of form we thought he could do. He’s steadily progressed weekend after weekend so my hope is that he carries on that trajectory and by the latter stages of the season, he’s challenging at the front.”
Eyes on the championship battle
As the season progresses, the limited number of Qualifying sessions—only ten across the calendar—heightens the importance of maximising every opportunity. Joyce underlined the need for consistent team-wide performance.
“There are only 10 Qualifying sessions in the year, so it’s quite a compressed season and you need everyone to be performing as well as possible. So today is very satisfying for the team and I’m really pleased for the way the guys worked together, engineers, Team Manager and the three drivers.”
Barcelona a platform for points and progress
Looking ahead to the Sprint and Feature Races, VAR finds itself well-positioned to score valuable points. With the team currently sixth in the Teams’ Standings and not far behind ART Grand Prix, a breakthrough into the top five remains within reach. However, Joyce is optimistic but realistic about what the team can work towards next.
“I think both. The drivers will push anyway because that’s in their nature, especially at their age, but when we’re starting so close to each other, it’s also crucial to look after each other and remember they are teammates. So we need to maximise the points for the entire team.”
He concluded by emphasising the strategic importance of strong starting positions at a track like Barcelona.
“It’s looking good and it’s a circuit that you want to be starting nearer the front than in the midfield or at the back, because it’s difficult to overtake around a circuit like this.”
With momentum on their side, Van Amersfoort Racing now sets its sights on converting its strong Qualifying form into race-day success.
