Rivera: Preparations in Jerez and Barcelona show improvement in 2026

Ernesto Rivera was at and near the top of the timing sheets throughout much of the two-day post-season test in Barcelona this week.

The Campos Racing driver reflected on the event afterwards and said that it had been a useful few days along with the previous test in Jerez.

The Red Bull Junior Team member said that he was able to begin his preparations for next year with confidence, and already could tell where lessons had been learned from his rookie campaign.

"They've been quite important. Before Jerez, I hadn't been in the car since Madrid, so it was good to jump back in, trying to prepare as best as possible for next year and to learn from what we did wrong this year."

Fastest in the afternoon session on the first day around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Rivera was positive about the work he and Campos carried out and could tell experience was making an impact.

The Mexican driver added that with the 2027 F3 season being the first time he will compete in the same Championship in consecutive seasons, he is learning as he goes with the team on how best to use that advantage.

"The track was quite fast in the afternoon and I did a good lap on the new tyres and was able to go fastest. The car felt quite good, so overall, happy with the day.

"It's quite different now with a year's worth of experience, especially in these types of sessions where you only have one push to lap and you can really see the experience.

"Now you know a bit more, how things should be, you have a bit more confidence. You can maybe force it a bit more if you don't feel super confident with the car.

"Just with experience, you are able to put in a good lap. It's my first time doing a second year in a category, so it's a new thing for me."

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With testing over and the 2026 campaign officially in the books, Rivera and the rest of the F3 field turn attentions to the winter break.

The Campos driver says he will be heading home for the break but is looking to stay sharp with some karting, though rest will also be important in the coming months.

"I will go to Mexico, try to relax for some time, maybe do a bit of karting there with my team. I'm just trying to reset mentally and go again for next year."