As 2025’s FIA Formula 3 pre-season testing approaches its final day, anticipation is high among drivers, teams and fans.
Key Storylines Leading into the Final Day of Formula 3 Pre-Season Testing
The first two days of F3 pre-season testing have offered valuable insights into the new Dallara F3 2025 car and showcased emerging talents.
Here’s what to watch out for on the concluding day of testing.
Performance of the Dallara F3 2025 car
One of the biggest talking points of the pre-season test is the introduction of the new Dallara F3 2025 chassis.
Notable features include aerodynamic updates aligned with Formula 1‘s 2026 regulations, larger 16-inch rims and an advanced fuel system.
The new fuel system is developed by Aramco to meet the FIA’s 100% sustainable fuel standards.
Teams have spent the initial days acclimating to these changes and the final day will be crucial for fine-tuning setups and extracting maximum performance.
F3 Pre-Season Testing Standout Performers
- Nikola Tsolov (Campos Racing): The Bulgarian driver has been impressive, topping both sessions on Day 2 with a fastest lap of 1:26.618 in the morning and 1:27.249 in the afternoon.
- Noel Léon (PREMA Racing): The Mexican driver set the pace on Day 1 with a time of 1:27.711, showcasing PREMA Racing’s continued competitiveness.
The final day will reveal whether these drivers can maintain their momentum and how their competitors respond.
Teams to Watch: Prema vs Trident Rivalry Continues
Prema Racing, long known for their dominance in junior single-seaters, is aiming to defend their Team’s title and reclaim the Drivers’ Championship in 2025.
However, Trident have won the last two Drivers’ Championships and will be eager to extend that streak.
Meanwhile, ART Grand Prix, Hitech Pulse-Eight and MP Motorsport will be looking to challenge the traditional frontrunners.
DAMS’ debut in the category also brings added intrigue, as the French team looks to establish itself in a competitive field.
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Preparing for a Global Season
The 2025 FIA F3 calendar spans 10 rounds across three continents, beginning in Melbourne, Australia from March 14 to 16.
The series will traverse three continents, visiting iconic circuits such as Monte-Carlo, Silverstone and Monza.
Team and Driver Line-ups
The pre-season testing will provide the first opportunity to observe new driver-team pairings in action.
- PREMA Racing: Fielding rookies Brando Badoer, Noel Léon and Ugo Ugochukwu, aiming for a sixth Teams’ Championship.
- TRIDENT: Featuring newcomers Noah Strømsted, Rafael Câmara and Charlie Wurz, targeting a third consecutive Drivers’ title.
- ART Grand Prix: Introducing Laurens Van Hoepen, Tuukka Taponen and James Wharton.
- DAMS Lucas Oil: Making their series debut with Nicola Lacorte, Matías Zagazeta and Christian Ho, the first Singaporean driver in Formula 3.
Despite being new to the grid, DAMS have a strong legacy in junior single-seaters and will be eager to prove itself in its inaugural F3 season.
In total 19 rookies participated, with 18 confirmed for the season and Jonas Ried testing for AIX Racing.
The team are yet to announce their third driver for the upcoming season.
Campos Racing stand out as the only team without a rookie driver, retaining Mari Boya, Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak and Nikola Tsolov.
Adaption to Technical Changes and Weather Conditions
Teams have been working diligently to adapt to the technical advancements of the Dallara F3 2025. This includes the new gearbox supplied by 3MO and the updated vehicle control unit shared with Formula 2.
The weather in Barcelona has been favourable, providing consistent track conditions.
Focus Areas for the Final Day of Pre-Season Testing
Long-Run performance: Teams are expected to focus on race simulations. This will be to assess tyre degradation and fuel load impacts, providing insights into how the car behaves over longer stints.
Evaluating rookies: The final day is vital for the 19 rookies to solidify their understanding of the car and the track.
As testing concludes, attention will shift to the season opener in Melbourne, Australia, from March 14 to 16.
Teams will analyze the data collected over the three days to make necessary adjustments and developments.
The performance in testing often sets the tone for the season, making the final day crucial for building momentum.
READ NEXT: F3 Pre-Season Testing Day 1: Teams Adapt to New Car in Barcelona
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Panoramic by PsnewZ
Recording Date: 29.06.2024
