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Formula 3 post-season testing opens with two days at Jerez
Formula 3 teams begin preparations for 2027 at Jerez on October 20–21, with a mixed field and two different daily schedules.
The 2026 Formula 3 season has ended, but teams return to the track this week for two days of post-season running at Jerez. The test is an early opportunity to begin preparations for 2027, with a mix of familiar names and drivers new to F3 machinery set to take part. The Jerez and Barcelona post-season test plan puts the Spanish circuit first on the schedule.
Jerez’s two test days have different afternoon schedules
Running is scheduled for October 20–21, with each morning session beginning at 09:00 local time and ending at 12:00. Day 1 then has a two-hour lunch break before cars return at 14:00, with the chequered flag due at 17:00.
The final day follows a shorter afternoon timetable. After the same morning session, the afternoon runs from 13:00 to 16:00 local time. That gives the test two distinct schedules, so teams will have one more hour of afternoon running on Tuesday than on Wednesday.
Both days can be followed through the live blog on the FIA Formula 3 website. The series also plans to share behind-the-scenes updates from Jerez on its social channels.
Returning drivers and newcomers share the field
Fifteen of the drivers entered have raced in Formula 3 before; the other half of the field will be driving F3 machinery for the first time. Taito Kato, fourth in the 2026 Drivers’ Championship, is the highest-placed returning driver from this year’s standings.
The entry list represents 19 countries. Keanu Al Azhari and Rashid Al Dhaheri are set to become the first drivers from the United Arab Emirates to race in Formula 3 next season. Kato’s presence gives the returning group a leading reference point; his maiden F3 victory at Monza was among the standout results highlighted in coverage of his season.
Ugochukwu’s previous Jerez benchmark remains in view
Last year, Ugo Ugochukwu set the fastest time of the Jerez post-season test for Campos Racing, recording a 1:30.012. This week’s running brings a new group of preparations into focus, with the teams beginning their work towards 2027 across the two scheduled days.