Rafael Câmara reinforced both his growing reputation and Invicta Racing’s early-season credentials by setting the fastest time of the 2026 F2 pre-season testing so far at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. On a productive second day of running in Spain, the Brazilian topped the morning session before teammate Joshua Dürksen completed a clean sweep for the British outfit in the afternoon at the 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship test.
Câmara’s benchmark 1:23.630 lap arrived during a disrupted morning that featured several red flags and evolving track conditions. Nevertheless, he delivered a composed performance run on Soft tyres to edge a tightly packed field. While the result grabbed attention, the reigning FIA Formula 3 Champion immediately shifted the focus away from outright pace and towards preparation for Round 1 in Melbourne.
Câmara and Invicta focused on building confidence from the outset during 2026 F2 Barcelona testing
After climbing out of the car, Câmara reflected on two days of steady progress. Rather than celebrating the headline time, he emphasised the importance of maximising mileage and accelerating his understanding of the F2 package ahead of his Melbourne debut.
“It’s been a positive test so far,” he said after the session. “I think these two days were very positive, we’re just trying to maximise the track time and learn as much as we can, especially for me to get used to the car.”
Indeed, F2 machinery demands a different driving approach compared to F3, particularly in terms of tyre management, braking characteristics and overall weight. Câmara acknowledged that adjustment process but stressed that he felt comfortable immediately.
“I felt quite confident from the beginning. It was a very nice feeling with the car. So, like I said, it’s been so far so good, and we’ll just keep trying to learn as much as possible, help the team to improve things and make sure that we’re ready for Melbourne.”
Câmara maintains perspective despite P1
Although Câmara’s 1:23.630 represented the fastest lap of the test so far, he refused to overstate its significance. The morning session featured multiple stoppages, including spins and on-track incidents, which interrupted rhythm and influenced run plans across the paddock. When asked about the lap itself, he offered a measured evaluation.
“It was a good lap, but it’s only testing. Obviously, we are always pushing, it was a decent lap, it’s not the right time to be P1, but it’s always positive to be there. It’s looking nice to be up to speed, but obviously it’s difficult to prepare when you don’t know what the others are doing.”
With teams running different fuel loads, tyre strategies and development items, direct comparisons remain unreliable. Consequently, Câmara maintained a disciplined approach and concentrated on internal objectives.
“We are just focussing on our job, making sure that we’re doing things properly, that I feel good with the car and just trying to continue to maximise the track time and to make sure we’re ready.”
That philosophy appeared evident throughout the day, as the team methodically worked through performance simulations and race-style programmes.
Long-run learning and tyre experimentation the focus for Invicta ahead of 2026 F2 opener in Melbourne
As the afternoon session unfolded, attention shifted away from single-lap pace towards extended stints. Teams evaluated tyre degradation and balance evolution, gathering crucial data for the season ahead. Câmara welcomed the opportunity to complete a meaningful long run in the F2 car.
“We did a long run in the afternoon that was quite long. It was nice to do a long run to see how the car feels and it was really my first proper long run. It was good, but we’re just fine tuning the car.”
That experience provided valuable insight into how the car behaves over a sustained stint, particularly under heavier fuel loads. At the same time, Dürksen’s eventual 1:25.363 ensured Invicta secured top spot in the afternoon, reinforcing the team’s overall competitiveness.
After focusing on race simulations, Câmara returned to performance work, including Prime and Option tyre comparisons.
“After we did some performance running, Prime-Option. Unfortunately, on the Options we couldn’t really do a lap because there was traffic. But I was just trying to find things and so far, it’s been looking very positive.”
Although traffic prevented a clean Option-tyre attempt, the session still delivered constructive feedback. Crucially, Câmara continued to build familiarity with the car’s characteristics across varying conditions.
A clear plan for the final day
Looking ahead to the final day of pre-season testing, Câmara expects a similar structure, combining qualifying-style efforts with longer race simulations once the track evolves.
“It’ll be pretty similar. I think every day you just try to do a bit of performance running and then also some long runs. So probably the same as today.”
He also stressed the importance of representative conditions when assessing performance data, particularly with Melbourne in mind.
“You don’t want to drive when it’s very cold because it’s not very representative, especially for when we come here in the race. So yeah, very similar programmes and we’ll keep doing our best.”
Therefore, while Invicta Racing aims to leave Barcelona encouraged by their pace and consistencyin the 2026 F2 pre-season testing, Câmara’s measured outlook reveals a driver focused firmly on long-term readiness. As Melbourne looms, he and his team continue to prioritise preparation, refinement and adaptability — qualities that could prove decisive once the championship battle begins in earnest.
