Hitech F3 returns to action at the Temple of Speed
Round 8 – Monza – Preview
After a six-week summer break, Hitech returns to FIA Formula 3 racing action this weekend as the championship heads to one of the most famous circuits in world motorsport, the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
The Italian round begins the final phase of the 2026 season, with Monza followed immediately by the season finale at the new Madring in Madrid.
Hitech headed into the break following a frustrating weekend at the Hungaroring, where encouraging pace went unrewarded. Jin Nakamura finished fourth in Practice and qualified inside the top 10, but incidents in both races prevented him from converting that speed into points.
The team has not been entirely away from the track during the break, joining the FIA Formula 3 field at the new Madring for two days of testing in August. The test provided valuable running at the circuit that will host the championship finale next weekend, with positive signs as Hitech prepares for the final two rounds.
For now, attention turns to a very different challenge at Monza.
Known throughout motorsport as the Temple of Speed, Monza is one of the sport’s great historic venues, defined by its long straights, heavy braking zones and high-speed commitment.
The 5.793km circuit places very different demands on the car to Budapest. Low downforce is essential for straight-line speed, while braking stability, strong traction out of the slower corners and confidence over the kerbs will all be important.
Monza’s long straights and powerful slipstream effect create plenty of overtaking opportunities, but also make track position and timing particularly important in qualifying, which is split into two groups here.
Jin Nakamura returns to racing looking to recapture the form that saw him claim his maiden FIA Formula 3 victory at Spa-Francorchamps. The Japanese driver has already demonstrated his ability to fight at the front this season and will be targeting another strong result.
Fionn McLaughlin heads to Monza aiming to turn the race pace and determination shown during the previous rounds into points. The Irish driver will be looking to make the most of the overtaking opportunities Monza traditionally provides.
Michael Shin had a positive Madring test and will be targeting a positive return to racing after the summer break, looking to put the experience gained across the season to use as the championship enters its final two rounds.
Paul Bellringer, Hitech F3 Team Principal:
“It’s good to be going racing again after the summer break, and there aren’t many better places to return than Monza. Budapest was frustrating because we had good pace, particularly with Jin, but weren't able to turn that into results. We’ve had time since then to prepare for these final two rounds.”
Paul continued:
“The Madring test was also a good opportunity to get everyone back on track and gave us our first experience of a completely new circuit ahead of the finale next weekend. There were some positive signs there, but our focus now is firmly on Monza. It’s a very different challenge and a circuit where there is always plenty going on, so we’re looking forward to getting started and pushing for a strong penultimate weekend.”
