Macedo turns unexpected VAR test into Jerez fastest time

Francisco Macedo made the most of an unexpected opportunity with Van Amersfoort Racing, setting the fastest time of the Formula 3 post-season test in Jerez. The Portuguese driver recovered from problems on the opening day to lead the second morning session, then finished second in the afternoon’s race simulations.

Macedo’s best lap, a 1:29.766, came during the qualifying-style runs and put him 0.169 seconds clear of VAR team-mate Enzo Deligny. The result gave Macedo the week’s overall benchmark and VAR the top two positions in the session.

The performance followed a late call-up to drive for the team. Macedo said he had tried to prepare as well as possible for the test, which he described as unexpected. Issues on Day 1 were resolved overnight, allowing him to make a stronger start the following morning.

The session’s full picture is covered in our report on Macedo leading a VAR one-two on Day 2. Deligny, meanwhile, is set to continue with the team in 2027, as detailed in our report on his VAR future.

A different car demanded a quick adjustment

The Jerez running marked Macedo’s first experience in an F3 car. He contrasted it with the FREC machinery he usually drives, highlighting the car’s greater speed and stronger braking. Familiarity with VAR helped him settle in: it had been his team the previous year, and he said he felt comfortable with the group and the car from the outset.

Adapting to the tyres proved a more demanding part of the test. Macedo was used to categories with a single compound, while Jerez featured both Medium and Hard tyres. He said their shorter life required him to be more attentive from the opening lap, while greater degradation made the race runs trickier.

Macedo ends the test pleased with the experience

Macedo said he had enjoyed driving the F3 car and welcomed the chance to learn through the test. He acknowledged the challenge of managing the different compounds and adapting to the demands of longer runs, but felt he had adjusted sufficiently by the end.

His second place in the afternoon, following the fastest time in the morning, completed a strong response to the setbacks he had faced a day earlier.