Kato pleased with ART Grand Prix work after finishing Barcelona test fastest of all

Taito Kato was the quickest driver across both days of post-season testing in Barcelona. The Japanese driver set a 1:27.902 in the second morning session of the event for ART Grand Prix.

Reflecting on the test overall, Kato said that the team's work was positive, and that they had found pace both across a single lap and on race pace especially.

"I think we made quite a good step from yesterday. Actually, we are missing the pace a little bit from yesterday. But, we found what the issue with the car was and then we made quite a good step from that.

"I think pace was really, really good. I think when I was on track, every time I was fighting for top five, top three, so I think car was looking pretty nice.

"What was especially good was that the long run pace was really, really good, to be honest. I think that is the biggest step from this weekend, so we are quite happy with it."

Kato's fastest effort was quicker than the best time of last season's test in Barcelona, and the pole position time from this year's race weekend.

While track conditions certainly played their role, the ART driver says that the lap had been a strong one regardless, with tyre management in the third and final sector a strong suit.

"For sure, track temperature was much cooler than the race weekend here earlier this year, so I think that helped prevent overheating the rear tyres, especially in Sector 3. So that's why we gained time there a little bit.

"I think lap was quite decent. I was able to put the lap all together in all three sectors. Looking at the laptimes overall, we were really, really close between P1 to P5.

"If I lost, like, two or three hundredths, I'd have lost three or four positions. So I think lap was quite nice."

READ MORE

• Kato leads the pack on final day of Barcelona Post-Season Testing

Overall, Kato says that the test was a fun experience to cap off the 2026 campaign with ART. The Japanese driver secured a victory in his rookie F3 campaign and says the French squad was now 'like family' after such a positive campaign.

"I'm always happy to jump in the Formula 3 car. Such a really, really good car with the downforce and speed and the pace was amazing. So, just the same mindset as always.

"Just see what I can do and then just focus on my driving and then just enjoy the moment with the team. I love the team, ART feel like it's my family. That's why I'm so happy to jump in the car every time."