Key Takeaways (TL;DR):
- F1 Step Up: Formula 2 championship leader Nikola Tsolov will drive Racing Bulls’ 2025 machine (VCARB 02) during a private test at Imola later this August.
- TPC Regulations: Tsolov will utilize the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) framework with 2025-spec machinery, while Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad divide 200 km on the current VCARB 03 during a promotional filming day.
- Championship Leader: The 19-year-old Bulgarian heads the 2026 Formula 2 standings with 167 points and 6 victories heading into Monza.
Nikola Tsolov is preparing to take another step toward a full-time Formula 1 seat. The Bulgarian driver will test Racing Bulls’ 2025-spec car during a private testing session at the Imola circuit in Italy, scheduled to take place later this August.
According to PlanetF1, Tsolov will participate alongside current F1 drivers Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad, who will share driving duties in the current VCARB 03 during the team’s final allocated filming day for 2026. Tsolov will use the session to gain valuable track mileage in modern F1 machinery.
Lawson and Lindblad are set to complete up to 200 km combined on promotional tires, per testing regulations. Meanwhile, Tsolov will take advantage of updated Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) rules, logging laps in the 2025 chassis from the previous technical regulation era.
Prior to this test, Tsolov’s experience behind the wheel of Formula 1 machinery was limited to promotional show runs—including driving the Red Bull RB7 at a live demonstration in Sofia, Bulgaria, and the RB8 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.
At 19 years old, Tsolov leads the 2026 Formula 2 Drivers’ Championship with 167 points and 6 race victories. The Bulgarian driver will return to F2 action at the Italian round, taking place September 5–6 at Monza.
Nikola Tsolov prepares for his first modern F1 test with Racing Bulls (Photo: Formula 2)
Filming Day vs. TPC Rules Breakdown
| Driver | Car Model | Session Type | Distance Allowed |
| Liam Lawson | 2026 (VCARB 03) | Promotional Filming Day | Shared 200 km max |
| Arvid Lindblad | 2026 (VCARB 03) | Promotional Filming Day | Shared 200 km max |
| Nikola Tsolov | 2025 (VCARB 02) | Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) | Unrestricted test mileage |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What championship does Nikola Tsolov currently compete in?
Nikola Tsolov currently competes in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, where he leads the 2026 standings.
Where is the Racing Bulls private test taking place?
The private test is taking place at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari (Imola) in Italy.
