The 2026 EuroCup-3 season began with a weekend in which GRS showed positive signs and the drivers adapted quickly on their debut, although there is still work to be done to reach the points.
From May 1 to 3, Circuit Paul Ricard in France hosted the opening round of the 2026 EuroCup-3 season. The championship kicked off its fourth campaign, the first to feature the Dallara 326, with an unusual format that included a reverse-grid Sprint Race.
GRS took on this new challenge with its driver pairing for the season, Andre Rodriguez and Rayan Caretti. Both drivers were rookies coming from Formula 4 and had not competed in the Spanish Winter Championship. Despite having accumulated mileage in testing, the team faced a significant challenge with both drivers entering their first race in the series.
Track action began on Thursday with a test session. This, along with two further sessions on Friday, allowed the drivers to adapt to the circuit and enabled the team to finalise the car setup.
On Friday afternoon, the two qualifying sessions took place back-to-back. Our drivers struggled to fully showcase their one-lap pace, and the results were not ideal. In the first session, which set the grid for Race 1 and the Sprint, Caretti qualified P23, with Rodriguez in P26. In the second session, Andre finished 23rd and Rayan 24th.
The entire team had to push hard to turn things around in the races, and the drivers delivered. In Race 1, Caretti produced an outstanding performance, gaining 10 positions. His recovery drive featured several bold overtakes, demonstrating impressive racecraft in wheel-to-wheel battles. Rodriguez also moved forward, finishing in 21st position.
In the Sprint Race, Andre achieved his best result of the weekend, crossing the line in 20th place. After multiple post-race penalties were applied, he was promoted to P17. Rayan was once again making progress through the field but was taken out by another driver and forced to retire.
Race 2 took place on Sunday morning, bringing the weekend to a close. Once again, both drivers fought hard in the midfield and gained positions. Caretti, despite some minor contact, finished 19th, just ahead of Rodriguez in P20.
Overall, it was a positive but challenging weekend. The team and drivers have the potential to achieve stronger results and score points, but improvements in qualifying performance are needed. We are confident that as the season progresses and the drivers continue to adapt to the car and the championship, results will improve. The entire team has worked hard and will continue to do so to make it happen.
EuroCup-3 will return in five weeks’ time. From June 5 to 7, Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal will host the second round of the season, where we will also be competing in Spanish Formula 4.
