A Comprehensive Overview of Recent Formula Testing Across Europe

The motorsport world has been buzzing with activity as various feeder series gear up for the upcoming 2026 racing season. During the past week, several testing sessions took place across the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and France, involving cars from F2, F3, Euroformula Open, FRegional, GB3, GB4, and F4. This article provides a detailed summary of the testing events, highlighting key performances and team activities.

Testing at Misano

From November 24 to 27, the Misano circuit was alive with the sounds of Formula 4 cars during a four-day testing session. The first two days were dedicated to F4 competitors, where Ludovico Busso, driving for US Racing, emerged as the fastest driver on the first day, clocking a remarkable lap time of 1:36.934. His performance placed him just ahead of fellow Italian Niccolò Maccagnani, who recorded a time of 1:36.994, while Oleksandr Bondarev from Prema Racing secured third with a time of 1:37.004.

The second day of testing was significantly impacted by adverse weather conditions, leading to a wet track that slowed down lap times. However, the Premas of Maccagnani and Bondarev managed to lead the session, with Maccagnani achieving a time of 1:51.472, surpassing Bondarev by a mere 0.024 seconds. The challenging conditions provided valuable experience for the drivers, although the times were noticeably slower.

The F4 testing field at Misano included a diverse array of teams. In addition to US Racing and Prema, teams like AKM Motorsport, Jenzer Motorsport, Maffi Racing, R-ace GP, and Trident Motorsport brought various drivers to the track. AKM Motorsport featured drivers such as Gregorio Prandi and Lewis Francis, while Jenzer fielded Stepan Suslov and Benjamin Traverso. Maffi and R-ace GP also contributed with a lineup of talented racers, ensuring a competitive atmosphere throughout the testing days.

Following the F4 sessions, the last two days of testing were reserved for the Euroformula Open series. Giovanni Maschio from G Motorsport stood out during these sessions, demonstrating impressive speed in a Dallara 320. He set a time of 1:27.873 on the first day, which was significantly faster than his closest competitor, Enzo Yeh from Motopark, who drove a newer Dallara 324. Javier Herrera from BVM Racing also performed well, consistently placing in the top three throughout the testing period.

Summary of Misano Testing Results

• F4 Day 1

  • 1. Ludovico Busso: 1:36.934
  • 1. Niccolò Maccagnani: +0.060
  • 1. Oleksandr Bondarev: +0.070

• F4 Day 2

  • 1. Niccolò Maccagnani: 1:51.472
  • 1. Oleksandr Bondarev: +0.024
  • 1. Iacopo Martinese: +0.577

• Euroformula Open Day 1

  • 1. Giovanni Maschio: 1:27.873
  • 1. Enzo Yeh: +0.867
  • 1. Javier Herrera: +0.987
• Euroformula Open Day 2
  • 1. Giovanni Maschio: 1:28.548
  • 1. Everett Stack: +0.315
  • 1. Javier Herrera: +0.319

Silverstone Testing Insights

Simultaneously, Silverstone was the venue for GB3 testing from November 24 to 25, alongside F3, GP3, British F4, and GB4 cars. Although live timing was not available, Feeder Series managed to track most of the participants. The GB3 Championship attracted seven teams, including Chris Dittmann Racing and Elite Motorsport, who fielded drivers such as Niels Koolen and Flynn Jackes.

Notably, a mix of experienced and rookie drivers took part in the testing. Ella Lloyd, fresh off her F1 Academy season, had her first experience with GB3 machinery, showcasing the depth of talent present at the event. Additionally, Ricardo Escotto tested a 2018-spec F2 car, while several Tatuus F4-T421 cars were piloted by American brothers Roman and Cash Felber.

The F3 field was also well-represented, with drivers testing Dallara F3 2019 models. The lineup included Enzo Deligny at Prema, alongside drivers from DAMS and Hitech. Meanwhile, GB4 attracted various competitors, with Nitrous Competitions and Douglas Motorsport among the teams participating.

Summary of Silverstone Testing Results

• GB3 Day 1

  • 1. Kai Daryanani: 1:34.245
  • 1. Deagen Fairclough: +0.347
  • 1. Noah Lisle: +0.878
• GB3 Day 2
  • 1. Deagen Fairclough: 1:33.701
  • 1. Kai Daryanani: +0.505
  • 1. Noah Lisle: +0.688

Barcelona Testing Overview

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya hosted two days of testing for FRegional and GB3 entrants on November 25 and 26. The Prema duo of Kean Nakamura-Berta and Salim Hanna dominated the FRegional sessions, with Hanna setting the fastest overall time of 1:35.058 on the second day, just ahead of his teammate. Rashid Al Dhaheri also participated, representing R-ace GP.

In the GB3 sessions, Deagen Fairclough achieved the fastest lap of the test on the final day, clocking in at 1:33.701. His performance was impressive, showcasing his potential for the upcoming season. Noah Lisle and Kai Daryanani also participated, with both drivers demonstrating competitive times throughout the testing period.

Summary of Barcelona Testing Results

• FRegional Day 1

  • 1. Kean Nakamura-Berta: 1:35.093
  • 1. Salim Hanna: +0.459
  • 1. Rashid Al Dhaheri: +0.483

• FRegional Day 2

  • 1. Salim Hanna: 1:35.058
  • 1. Kean Nakamura-Berta: +0.005
  • 1. Rashid Al Dhaheri: +0.455

• GB3 Day 1

  • 1. Kai Daryanani: 1:34.245
  • 1. Deagen Fairclough: +0.347
  • 1. Noah Lisle: +0.878
• GB3 Day 2
  • 1. Deagen Fairclough: 1:33.701
  • 1. Kai Daryanani: +0.505
  • 1. Noah Lisle: +0.688

Jarama and Vallelunga Testing Highlights

Subsequent testing resumed at Jarama on November 26 and 27 for the Spanish F4 and Eurocup-3 categories. The Eurocup-3 competitors included Gino Trappa, Christopher El Feghali, and Stylianos Kolovos, while the Spanish F4 field boasted 25 drivers, with teams like Campos Racing and MP Racing fielding multiple entrants. Campos Racing’s Vivek Kanthan and Luna Fluxá were among the notable drivers participating.

Vallelunga hosted additional F4 testing on November 29 and 30, where several of the same drivers from Misano returned to the track. Team dynamics continued to evolve, with teams such as Jenzer Motorsport and Trident Motorsport showcasing their lineups, including both new and returning drivers.

Summary of Jarama and Vallelunga Testing Results

• Jarama Day 1 (Eurocup-3)

  • 1. Gino Trappa: [Time not specified]
  • 1. Christopher El Feghali: [Time not specified]
  • 1. Stylianos Kolovos: [Time not specified]

• Vallelunga F4 Day 1

  • 1. Ary Bansal: 1:34.726
  • 1. Oleksandr Savinkov: +0.025
  • 1. Oleksandr Bondarev: +0.027
• Vallelunga F4 Day 2
  • 1. Arjen Kräling: 1:34.520
  • 1. Ludovico Busso: +0.018
  • 1. Ary Bansal: +0.031

Other Testing Activities

In addition to the primary testing sessions, various other activities took place. The FFSA Academy conducted testing for French F4 machinery at Le Mans, where drivers such as Lilian Soares were spotted. Meanwhile, other drivers tested in different regions, including Cremona and Valencia, ensuring that the motorsport community remained active and engaged.

This week’s testing sessions have laid a strong foundation for the upcoming racing season, allowing teams and drivers to refine their skills and machinery. As preparations continue, the