Hitech begins Eurocup-3 debut after strong winter campaign
Round 1 - Paul Ricard - Preview
A new Eurocup-3 season begins – and another chapter for Hitech.
The 2026 campaign gets underway at Circuit Paul Ricard this weekend, marking the team’s debut in the championship as it continues to expand its presence across the single-seater ladder.
Hitech arrives at the opening round with momentum already established, following a successful winter campaign in the Spanish Winter Championship, where Keanu Al Azhari secured the drivers’ title in the team’s first outing in Eurocup-3 machinery.
Across the three-round campaign, all four drivers contributed consistent results, providing valuable experience and a strong foundation ahead of the main season.
A winning start to build on
Keanu’s title-winning performance – finishing every race inside the top five with multiple wins and podiums – highlighted the team’s potential, while Gino Trappa, Santino Panetta and Stefan Bostandjiev added regular points-scoring finishes throughout the series.
That track time now becomes a key advantage heading into the opening round, offering a clearer understanding of the car, the series, and race execution.
A four-car line-up ready to deliver
Hitech enters its debut Eurocup-3 season with a diverse and competitive four-car line-up, combining youth, experience and proven success across multiple categories.
KEANU AL AZHARI
After progressing through Formula 4 and stepping up to GB3 with Hitech in 2025, Keanu has already demonstrated his ability to compete at the front in highly competitive fields. Now, with a title already secured in Eurocup-3 machinery, the focus shifts to maintain that momentum across a full championship campaign.
GINO TRAPPA
After dominating the Formula 4 CEZ Championship, alongside strong performances across multiple series, Gino brings both speed and consistency to the team’s Eurocup-3 programme.
SANTINO PANETTA
At 16 years old, Santino is one of the youngest drivers on the grid. Following his transition from karting into the F4 Spanish Championship, the 2026 season offers an opportunity to build experience and continue his progression in single-seater racing.
STEFAN BOSTANDJIEV
Completing the line-up, Stefan brings a varied racing background spanning GT and single-seater competition. After competing in GT4 and Lamborghini Super Trofeo before moving into GB4 and GB3, his adaptability and racecraft add another dimension to the team’s line-up as he takes on a new challenge in Eurocup-3.
Paul Ricard: F1 circuit for the 2026 curtain-raiser
While the winter series provided valuable preparation, the start of the full championship brings a reset in track characteristics and competition.
Circuit Paul Ricard combines long straights, technical sections and heavy braking zones, requiring a well-balanced car and precise execution.
Bruin Beasley, Hitech’s Eurocup-3 Team Manager:
“It’s an exciting moment for the team as we prepare for our first full Eurocup-3 season. The winter campaign was an important first step for us, and it gave both the drivers and the team valuable experience in this category. We’re looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
