EuroCup-3 returned to Spain for its sixth round at Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, where Kai Daryanani completed his first weekend with the team and made his debut in the Dallara 326.
The 2026 EuroCup-3 season is entering its final stages, with the sixth round taking place this weekend. The event was held at the historic Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, the first Spanish venue on the championship calendar this season. Jerez is a circuit steeped in history, where GRS Team has achieved some of its greatest successes in recent years.
For this round, the team fielded a one-driver line-up. Kai Daryanani joined the No. 70 car as part of his agreement to compete in the final three rounds of the season. Despite having previous EuroCup-3 experience, the Indian driver was facing his first event behind the wheel of the Dallara 326, as well as his first race weekend with GRS Team
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday provided the team with plenty of track time across several test sessions. Daryanani had his first opportunity to get to know the team and the car, making significant progress throughout the week. Meanwhile, the team used the information gathered to prepare for the race weekend and adapt the car to the demands of the circuit.
Saturday began with the first qualifying session, which did not go GRS’s way. Kai struggled to put together the perfect lap and had to settle for 27th on the grid.
The Indian driver was not prepared to give up, however, and turned the situation around with a memorable performance in Race 1. Daryanani gained six positions on the opening lap, gave his all in the midfield battle and took the chequered flag in a solid 17th place, ten positions higher than where he had started.
The Sprint Race followed a similar pattern. However, with a shorter distance and several neutralisations, his recovery this time amounted to five positions, bringing him home in P22.
After showing strong race pace, a better qualifying performance was crucial for Sunday, and that is exactly what followed. In Qualifying 2, Daryanani made significant progress to secure P23.
Kai therefore had a good opportunity to establish himself in the midfield in Race 2. The Indian driver achieved this, although not without difficulty. On the opening lap, he had to avoid two incidents ahead of him, costing him a few positions. Despite this, his overall position gain remained positive. Daryanani was running 17th after the opening lap and the first Safety Car period. He then maintained a consistent pace in an uneventful race to cross the finish line in P18.
The weekend came to an end after the team faced several challenges, including the difficult circumstances of having only one driver in its line-up. Nevertheless, everyone gave their all to achieve the best possible performance. On his debut in the car, Daryanani demonstrated impressive pace and driving ability, leaving us eager to follow his progress in the upcoming events as he gains further experience in the Dallara.
EuroCup-3 will return in October for its seventh and penultimate round. The championship will visit the historic Hungaroring, which will host the category for the first time over the weekend of October 23–25.
