Camara sets the benchmark in Barcelona F2 testing

by Jaume Salas

The FIA Formula 2 Championship fired up for three crucial pre-season days at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. And if one name stood above the rest, it was Rafael Camara.

The Invicta Racing driver was not only quickest on two of the three days, he delivered something more meaningful than headline lap times: consistency. Across race simulations he maintained a strong, controlled pace, showing that despite being a rookie, he has genuine credentials to fight for the title. His 1:23.630 on the second morning was the fastest time of the entire test – a clear statement of intent.

Day 1 ended with Noel León at the top for Campos Racing after an afternoon disrupted by several red flags, while the morning session had been led by Stenshorne. There were incidents – off-track moments for Montoya, Tsolov and Dürksen among others – but nothing that significantly derailed the teams’ programmes. León underlined Campos’ strength, and together with Nikola Tsolov forms an ambitious young pairing.

Day 2 shifted the focus towards outright performance. Camara and Dürksen traded blows at the top, securing an Invicta 1-2 at different stages, while Dunne, Inthraphuvasak and Mini remained firmly in contention. The level of competitiveness was striking: in the morning session just a few hundredths covered the top five, with four different teams represented at the sharp end.

From a team perspective, Campos Racing made it clear they can aim high this year. The same applies to Prema: Sebastian Montoya showed greater maturity in his second season, while Mari Boya was competitive from the outset. Rodin, MP and ART also completed valuable mileage and long-run work, pointing towards an exceptionally tight grid.

Beyond the lap times, teams completed race simulations, pit stop practice and aerodynamic evaluations. Cold but stable weather conditions allowed for productive running and maximum learning with the 2026 package.

Joshua Dürksen may not yet feel entirely comfortable, but he is certain to feature prominently. Experienced names such as Beganovic, Dunne and Mini already understand the circuits and the demands of the category, while rookies like Varrone, Fittipaldi and Herta showed flashes of talent that promise plenty of action.

Three intense days, countless laps and one clear takeaway: this season looks wide open, with multiple contenders ready to fight at the front. Barcelona has offered clues – but the real answers will come when the lights go out in Australia.

It begins now.