Nikola Tsolov was blisteringly fast in the FIA F3 post-season test at Jerez and set the quickest time in the afternoon on Day 2.
The Bulgarian is preparing to return to the series for a third season in 2025 after spending two seasons at the French team ART.
Tsolov struggled at some events during his rookie season in 2023, only scoring points twice in the Sprint Races at Spa-Francorchamps and at Monza.
He had taken a bigger step up to Formula 3 than some other drivers as he moved straight from the Spanish F4 Championship, where he dominated and beat Hugh Barter to the title.
But after leaving ART to join Campos for the post-season test at Jerez, Tsolov explained to the official FIA F3 website that despite his superb pace in Spain, he had to adjust some aspects of his driving and approach.
Nikola Tsolov admitted he ‘had to adapt’ in FIA F3 to adjust to Campos’ style after racing for ART
FIA F3 is a very competitive championship where fine margins are important, as 30 cars battle on the track and drivers aim to push towards Formula 1.
Switching teams can be a risk as it is difficult to remain at the front of the field in junior series in multiple seasons.
Tsolov also had to adjust to a Spanish team after spending two years at ART, a French outfit. This likely means there is a different culture that can be difficult to adjust to.
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The Bulgarian driver raced with Campos during his title-winning campaign in Spanish F4 but it is a much bigger operation in Formula 3.
He explained that despite being happy with the car at Jerez moving to a new team came with some challenges.
Tsolov said: “I knew I had to adapt a little bit as I came from ART having spent two years there, but the car felt really good straight away. I was really happy with the team and how we worked, and I think I managed to prepare myself well.”
There is pressure on Nikola Tsolov to perform in Formula 3 next season
Tsolov has improved throughout his two seasons in FIA F3, taking his first victory in the Sprint Race at Monaco last season.
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Despite his improvement, the Campos driver has yet to consistently challenge at the front of the field over a season.
If he wants to move up to Formula 2 and continue knocking on. the door of Formula 1, 2025 will likely have to be his final year in FIA F3 as he may begin to be overlooked for by top teams if Tsolov stagnates.
There is also a lot of competition in FIA F3 for Tsolov, such as Freddie Slater, who has a lot of financial backing and has been likened to Lando Norris.
Slater is likely to step up into FIA F3 within the next couple of seasons and also participated in the test at Jerez for Rodin.