Iconic Spa beckons as GB3 season gathers pace
Round 2 - Spa-Francorchamps - Preview
Hitech heads to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps this weekend for Round 2 of the 2026 GB3 Championship, targeting a strong performance at one of the most celebrated venues in world motorsport as the season makes its first visit to mainland Europe.
The team arrives in Belgium on the back of an encouraging and rewarding season opener at Silverstone, where Jin Nakamura delivered a brilliant race victory to announce his and the team’s intentions for the season. Jin’s Race 3 win came via a decisive final-lap move to take the lead after a tense three-way battle, underlining his determination and composure.
The opening weekend was not without frustration, however. Deagen Fairclough showed front-running pace throughout all three races but was denied the results his performances deserved. He suffered two retirements – both from positions where he was firmly in contention for the win. Felix Fu continued to build his GB3 experience as he adapts to the category in his first season.
Jin’s victory at Silverstone put him third in the Drivers’ Championship, just 16 points behind the leader. With only one round completed, there is plenty of opportunity for Deagen to mount a significant challenge.
Spa-Francorchamps presents one of the most demanding and distinctive challenges on the calendar. The 7.0-kilometre circuit winds through the Ardennes Forest, combining iconic high-speed sections such as Eau Rouge and Raidillon, Pouhon and Blanchimont with more technical sectors that reward precision and mechanical balance. Weather is invariably a factor in Belgium, and forecasts suggest showers could influence proceedings across Saturday and Sunday, potentially shuffling the competitive order.
Phil Blow, Hitech’s GB3 Team Manager:
“Silverstone was an encouraging start to the season. Jin’s win in Race 3 was a great result and a reward for the strong pace he showed all weekend. We know there is more to come from Deagen – the speed was clearly there at Silverstone and two retirements from strong positions is a frustrating way to open a season, but the pace gives us plenty of reason to be positive.”
Phil continued:
“Spa is a fantastic circuit and a round we always look forward to. It tests every aspect of the cars and drivers, and with the weather forecast there could be some unpredictable racing in store, which also creates plenty of opportunity.”
The format at Spa follows the usual format: two days of testing on Thursday and Friday, followed by a two-part qualifying session on Friday afternoon. Races 1 and 2 take place on Saturday, with the top-12 reverse grid Race 3 rounding off the weekend on Sunday morning.
