Ernesto Rivera spent the two-day post-season test in Barcelona right at the sharp end of the timing sheets. The Campos Racing driver put in a strong showing, capping off the first day by going fastest in the afternoon session around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Reflecting on the track time, the Red Bull Junior Team member explained that the running in Barcelona, paired with an earlier test in Jerez, proved immensely useful. Before hitting Jerez, he had not been behind the wheel since Madrid, making the mileage crucial for shaking off the rust and setting up next year's campaign. "They've been quite important," Rivera noted regarding the winter tests. "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."
I will go to Mexico, try to relax for some time, maybe do a bit of karting there with my team,
Out on track during that quick afternoon run, the machine hooked up nicely on fresh rubber. "The track was quite fast in the afternoon and I did a good lap on the new tyres and was able to go fastest," Rivera said. "The car felt quite good, so overall, happy with the day."
The Mexican driver enters uncharted territory as he prepares for the 2027 F3 season. For the first time in his career, he will compete in the same championship for consecutive seasons, and he is already figuring out how to squeeze every drop of advantage from that continuity.
"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," he added. "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."
With testing wrapped up and the 2026 campaign officially in the books, the F3 field now looks toward the winter break. For Rivera, that means heading home to Mexico to recharge the batteries while keeping his eye in with some karting before the hard work begins anew.
"I will go to Mexico, try to relax for some time, maybe do a bit of karting there with my team," Rivera said. "I'm just trying to reset mentally and go again for next year."
