Tsolov hails ‘really strong’ Campos performance after sweeping Day 1 of Barcelona test

Nikola Tsolov was delighted with how he and Campos Racing’s opening day of running in Barcelona went, as he topped both the morning and afternoon sessions at the final post-season test.
The Bulgarian driver was fastest on the last day of running in Jerez a week ago, and reflecting on today’s efforts, he was delighted to continue that form at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya,
“Feels really good to show the pace also in Barcelona not only in Jerez,” said Tsolov. “I think we have good pace, and we know that so it’s about trying to understand some things for next year and see how we move forward. Hopefully another good day tomorrow and we keep pushing.
READ MORE: Tsolov sweeps opening day of running in Barcelona test
“Obviously I started my career with this team and I feel good with them. I think the car has been really strong as always. Whatever I do, it follows whatever I want and I have been feeling really confident with the car and the team’s atmosphere in general.
“Also, being an experienced driver gives me a lot of experience in handling different situations and helps a lot, it’s all a combination and putting it together is really showing.”
Tsolov’s fastest time in the morning, a 1:27.866, was done on his first push lap of the day. However, he did his quickest lap of the afternoon in the final hour of the session.
His 1:28.370 put him ahead of Trident’s Rafael Camara at the top by 0.521s and as he talked through the day, he revealed his surprise at that margin.
“In the morning, we thought we were going to throw one set away in the beginning,” he explained. “So, we just went really early, and we didn’t think it would be the best time to go but actually my first push was the best for the whole day in general.
READ MORE: 2024 Formula 3 season ends with post-season testing in Barcelona
“I think the cold conditions helped for the track to be quick, then we went later again in the morning after doing a long run on two sets of new tyres, which were a bit slower. I made a mistake on my last set so I think I could have improved my time.
“In the afternoon, we were doing more long run work rather than trying to put a good time but at the end of the session we decided to go on a new set of tyres, just one set and it worked out well again, pretty quick, spot on.
“I actually had a bit of traffic as well which compromised my last sector, but I was still very much in front of everyone which I was quite surprised about.”
With one day left of testing, the 2024 season and with this current generation of F3 car, Tsolov says he has no plans to chase lap time instead looking to find more ways to help the team with long run pace.
Tsolov: ‘We were on the pace from the first lap’ after ending Jerez test fastest

“We are just doing some things that the team expect to have with the new car,” he said. “Some tests that will be helpful for the first test with the new ones, so a bit of work with that.
“For tomorrow, I’m not focused on lap times to be honest, they just came naturally today. I’m more focused on working with the team, being consistent, maximising every run we have, following the run plan.”