The 2025 FIA Formula 3 Championship commenced its pre-season testing at the renowned Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where teams and drivers were provided with the newly introduced Dallara F3 2025 chassis.
2025 FIA Formula 3 Pre-Season Testing Kicks Off in Barcelona
The 2025 FIA Formula 3 Championship began its pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, marking the debut of the all-new Dallara F3 2025 chassis.
Over two intense sessions, teams gathered crucial data, while drivers pushed the limits to understand the new machinery.
With a competitive mix of lap times and strategic test runs, the opening day set the tone for the season ahead.
Circuit Overview
Located in Montmélo, just north of Barcelona, Spain, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is a staple in the motorsport world.
Inaugurated in 1991, the track has been a constant venue for high-profile racing events, including Formula 1 and MotoGP.
The circuit spans 4.657 kilometres and comprises 14 turns, blending high-speed straights with various challenging corners.
This combination makes it an ideal testing ground, as it thoroughly examines both the aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical grip of the vehicles.
Notably, the main straight stretches approximately 1.047 kilometres, offering ample opportunities for drivers to assess top speeds and braking capabilities.
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F3 Pre-Season Testing Morning Session Highlights
The morning session commenced with all teams undertaking installation laps to ensure the new machinery was functioning optimally.
Nikola Tsolov (Campos Racing) set the initial benchmark with a lap time of 1:29.592 within the first 20 minutes.
Rodin Motorsport quickly assert their dominance, with their drivers occupying the top three positions on the timesheets. Callum Voisin led the charge, recording a fastest lap of 1:27.959 over 38 laps.
His teammates, Roman Bilinski and Louis Sharp, closely followed with times of 1:28.560.
As the session progressed, ART Grand Prix demonstrated their prowess, with Laurens van Hoepen clocking a 1:28.568, leading to an ART 1-2-3 on the timesheets.
However, in the final 15 minutes, Roman Bilinski reclaimed the top spot with a 1:28.150, shortly followed by Louis Sharp’s 1:28.560.
Voisin then delivered a stellar performance, breaking into the 1:27s with a 1:27.959, securing the fastest lap of the morning session.
This late surge resulted in a Rodin Motorsport 1-2-3 finish for the session.
Challenges and Observations
Despite the overall positive feedback, several teams encountered challenges during the sessions.
DAMS’ lineup – comprising Christian Ho, Nicola Lacorte and Matías Zagazeta – along with MP Motorsport’s Bruno del Pino and Campos Racing’s Mari Boya and Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak, did not record official lap times despite spending time on the track.
The session commenced with limited on-track activity, with only a third of the field completing representative laps in the first hour.
As teams became more acquainted with the new car’s dynamics, track activity intensified.
F3 Pre-Season Testing Afternoon Session Highlights
The afternoon session witnessed intensified competition as teams sought to build upon the morning’s data.
Campos Racing initiated the action, with Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak leading teammates Mari Boya and Nikola Tsolov early on, setting a 1:29.505.
PREMA Racing’s Noel Léon emerged as the standout performer, setting the fastest lap of the day at 1:27.711, thereby surpassing the morning’s top time.
MP Motorsport’s Tim Tramnitz showcased impressive pace. The young German secured the second-fastest time with 1:27.862, while Sharp’s earlier effort placed him third for the session.
Campos Racing’s Mari Boya and Nikola Tsolov also demonstrated competitive performances, rounding out the top five with times of 1:27.966 and 1:28.011, respectively.
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Team Strategies and Driver Adaptations
Campos Racing’s drivers, Boya and Tsolov, capitalised on their familiarity with the circuit. They delivered consistent lap times that kept them within striking distance of the leaders.
ART Grand Prix’s trio – Van Hoepen, Tuukka Taponen and James Wharton – continued their methodical approach, focusing on long-run consistency and data acquisition.
Testing Results and Standings
After the first day, the fastest times across both sessions were as follows:
Noel Leon was the fastest on day one 💨#F3 #F3Testing pic.twitter.com/jSvdhEVrwD
— Formula 3 (@Formula3) February 19, 2025
- Noel León (PREMA Racing) – 1:27.711
- Tim Tramnitz (MP Motorsport) – 1:27.862
- Louis Sharp (Rodin Motorsport) – 1:27.898
- Callum Voisin (Rodin Motorsport) – 1:27.959
- Mari Boya (Rodin Motorsport) – 1:27.966
- Nikola Tsolov (Campos Racing) – 1:28.011
- Roman Bilinski (Rodin Motorsport) – 1:28.150
- Laurens van Hoepen (ART Grand Prix) – 1:28.231
- Tuukka Taponen (ART Grand Prix) – 1:28.315
- James Wharton (ART Grand Prix) – 1:28.397
A busy day of testing, but plenty of learning done ✔️🤓#F3 #F3Testing pic.twitter.com/KVkF0xqOH6
— Formula 3 (@Formula3) February 19, 2025
With a combined total of 2,054 laps completed on the first day, teams have amassed a wealth of data to inform their development programs.
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Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Panoramic by PsnewZ
Recording Date: 21.07.2024
