The Spanish outfit, reigning FIA Formula 3 Teams’ Champions, heads into the opening round of the championship in Melbourne with Ugo Ugochukwu, Théophile Naël and Patrick Heuzenroeder – the latter stepping in for the injured Ernesto Rivera – at the wheel of its three cars
Campos Racing’s defense of the FIA Formula 3 Teams’ title secured in 2025 begins this weekend at Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit. It will be the first real test for the Alzira-based squad, which fields an all-new driver line-up in the category with the goal of repeating last season’s superb campaign. In addition to claiming the Teams’ crown, the Spanish side also secured second, third and seventh place in the Drivers’ standings.
The challenge ahead is an exciting one, and the foundations are firmly in place. Théophile Naël will carry the number 1 on his car, while Ugo Ugochukwu will race with number 2. Alongside the Frenchman and the American, Patrick Heuzenroeder will join the line-up this weekend. The Australian replaces Ernesto Rivera on a temporary basis as the latter continues his recovery from a back injury sustained during a preparatory race last winter.
The post-season tests held at the end of last year left both Campos Racing and its drivers with a very positive feeling. The team topped the timesheets in Barcelona and Jerez and was also among the front-runners at Imola. Already in 2026, when the entire paddock gathered at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, both Naël and Ugochukwu stood out for their pace in qualifying and race simulations. Heuzenroeder, despite having considerably less mileage in an F3 car, also made a strong impression as he adapted to the category.
Naël and Ugochukwu are shaping up to be serious title contenders in FIA Formula 3, both entering their second season in the championship. Naël, born in Saint-Étienne, claimed three podium finishes last year and showed a clear upward trajectory in performance as the season progressed. The same can be said of Ugochukwu, who stepped onto the podium twice and emerged as one of the standout performers in the closing stages of the campaign. Heuzenroeder, boosted by the extra motivation of racing on home soil, is another driver to keep firmly on the radar for this high-profile season opener in Melbourne.
As in 2025, FIA Formula 3 action gets underway on Australian soil at the Albert Park Circuit, a venue that can resemble quicksand due to its street-track nature. The run-off areas, featuring gravel traps that make it difficult to rejoin the track, and several walls positioned close to the racing line can easily catch out the unwary. Measuring 5,278 metres in length, it is a highly technical circuit, particularly because of the low grip levels on Friday as dirt accumulated on the asphalt reduces adhesion. In terms of set-up, it is crucial to have a car that is stable under braking and competitive in traction.
Regarding the timetable – and taking into account the time difference with Spain – free practice will begin on Thursday night at 22:50. Qualifying is scheduled for the early hours of Friday at 04:00. On Saturday, the Sprint Race is set to start at 01:15, while the Feature Race will also take place on Saturday, albeit in the late evening at 22:50. All times are Spanish time.
Adrián Campos (Campos Racing Team Principal): “After winning the Teams’ title last year, along with finishing second and third in the Drivers’ standings, everyone at Campos Racing approaches 2026 with maximum motivation. It has been several months since the last official race, although we have been very solid in the various collective tests that have taken place. We have full confidence in all the work we have carried out, both on track and in data analysis at our headquarters. We have two drivers in Ugo and Théophile who are expected to be key protagonists this year, and I am equally confident that Patrick will deliver a very strong performance while replacing Ernesto. It will be important to manage this first street circuit properly, avoid mistakes, seize our opportunities and leave Melbourne with as many points as possible, as it is crucial to start scoring from the very beginning.”
