site.btaNikola Tsolov Wins Sprint Race in Formula 3 Bahrain Grand Prix

Bulgarian driver Nikola Tsolov won the sprint race of the Formula 3 Bahrain Grand Prix, which is the second round of the 2025 FIA Formula 3 Championship.

The 18-year-old, competing for Campos Racing, started from fifth position on the Bahrain International Circuit in the Sakhir desert, but his brilliant performance took him to victory. Tsolov not only faced very tough competition but also had to tackle the considerable wearing of his tyres due to hot weather which pushed the circuit surface temperature up to 53 C.

The Bulgarian’s strongest opponent was the UK’s Freddie Slater (AIX Racing). On several occasions, Tsolov entered the turns ahead of Slater, but the Briton regained his lead as they exited the turns. On Lap 9, Tsolov went ahead of Slater and his lead reached almost a second, but then, a security car turned up, which revived the hopes of Slater and other drivers behind Tsolov. After the race was restarted on Lap 17, the two went neck-and-neck again. Tsolov showed great skill and managed to retain his position, finishing half a second ahead of second-placed Slater. Third place went to Finland’s Tuukka Taponen (ART Grand Prix), who finished 1.2 seconds behind the Bulgarian.

This was Tsolov’s fourth win in three consecutive Formula 3 seasons so far. The three earlier victories came during the previous season.

On Sunday, the Bulgarian will have a chance to triumph again during the classic competition in Bahrain. He will start from the eighth position.