That is how you cap off a campaign. Taito Kato proved himself the absolute benchmark across both days of post-season testing in Barcelona, setting the quickest time of the entire event with a blistering 1:27.902 during the second morning session.
Driving for ART Grand Prix, the Japanese driver put together an effort that ultimately outpaced the best time from last season's test at the circuit, as well as the pole position benchmark from this year's race weekend. While cooler track temperatures played a part by helping to keep rear tyre overheating at bay—particularly through the crucial third and final sector—Kato insisted the lap was a strong one on its merits alone, pointing to clean execution across all three sectors in an incredibly tight field where losing just two or three hundredths would have cost him three or four positions.
Such a really, really good car with the downforce and speed and the pace was amazing. So, just the same mindset as always.
Reflecting on the test overall, Kato was visibly pleased with the direction the squad took, noting that they unlocked improvements in both single-lap speed and race pace. "I think we made quite a good step from yesterday," Kato said. "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."
He praised the machine's behavior when it mattered most, adding, "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." But the real breakthrough, according to the ART driver, came when the fuel loads went in. "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."
The test serves as a sweet conclusion to the 2026 season for Kato, who claimed a victory during his rookie F3 campaign and now views the French squad as close kin after a deeply positive year. "I'm always happy to jump in the Formula 3 car," he said. "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."
