GriffinCore Campos Racing will field four of the brand-new Dallara 326-Toyota single-seaters for Patrick Heuzenroeder, Alex Powell, Thomas Strauven and Enzo Tarnvanichkul, marking the beginning of a new era for the European series

share new

GriffinCore Campos Racing will contest the opening round of the 2026 Eurocup-3 season this coming weekend. The continental championship enters a new phase with the debut of the Dallara 326 powered by Toyota, replacing the Tatuus-Alfa Romeo used in recent campaigns. GriffinCore Campos Racing will run no fewer than four of these new cars: Enzo Tarnvanichkul will continue racing in Red Bull Junior Team colours, joined by three newcomers—Patrick Heuzenroeder, Alex Powell and Thomas Strauven.

Circuit Paul Ricard, located near the French town of Le Castellet, will host the season opener, with seven further rounds to follow at some of Europe’s most iconic and historic venues: Algarve (June 5–7), Imola (July 3–5), Monza (July 31–August 2), a circuit yet to be confirmed (August 8–9), Silverstone (September 11–13), Hungaroring (October 23–25) and Barcelona (November 6–8). Silverstone and Hungaroring stand out as the main additions to the 2026 calendar.

Drivers already had the opportunity to get a first taste of the Dallara 326-Toyota during the Winter Series held at Portimão, Jarama and MotorLand Aragón in recent weeks. Tarnvanichkul concluded this initial phase in the best possible way by taking victory in Alcañiz, having previously secured another podium finish at Jarama. American driver Powell was also among the standout performers, claiming two third-place finishes and securing top-six results in eight of the nine races. Belgian driver Strauven, the reigning F4 Spain champion, and Australia’s Heuzenroeder also enjoyed multiple top-five finishes throughout the pre-season.

Paul Ricard, inaugurated in 1969 at the initiative of the French pastis magnate of the same name, measures 5,842 metres in its current configuration. The Mistral Straight remains one of its defining features. Although interrupted by a chicane, it still promotes overtaking opportunities, as drivers have two chances to slipstream the car ahead and attempt a pass. Its vast run-off areas have also become one of the most recognisable hallmarks of the Le Castellet circuit. Weather could play a role this weekend: while the track is often extremely hot in summer, forecasts predict overcast skies on Friday and Saturday, with a chance of light rain on Sunday. More excitement? We shall see—but anything can happen.

Drivers will take to the track on Friday with two morning free practice sessions. The two qualifying sessions, which will determine the starting grids, will take place consecutively that same afternoon at 17:00 and 17:25. The first feature race of the weekend is scheduled for Saturday at 13:05. This meeting will include three races instead of the usual two, with an additional sprint race set for Saturday at 16:50. The weekend will conclude on Sunday with the second feature race at 9:00. All times are in Spanish local time. All three races will be broadcast live via the official Eurocup-3 YouTube channel.

Adrián Campos (Team Principal of Campos Racing): “We are proud to begin this fourth year of Eurocup-3, which also represents a step forward in competitiveness thanks to the new Dallara 326-Toyota. Our drivers performed at a very high level during the Winter Series, and we were able to gather valuable information from those races. Since then, we have been working at our headquarters to fine-tune our preparation for the start of the season. We have four very young drivers, but with undeniable talent and the ability to achieve ambitious goals in 2026. Our aim is to leave Paul Ricard with the highest possible points haul.”