Pink Bull Junior Workforce driver Nikola Tsolov has taken an essential step in his improvement by driving a System 1 automobile for the primary time throughout a Testing of Earlier Automobiles programme at Imola.
The Bulgarian driver took to the wheel of the VCARB 02 on the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, finishing 690 kilometres as a part of an intensive TPC take a look at with Racing Bulls.
The outing represented a serious milestone for Tsolov, who was capable of expertise System 1 equipment for the primary time as he continues his development by the Pink Bull Junior Workforce.
Tsolov was given the chance as a part of the event programme operated by Racing Bulls for members of the Pink Bull Junior Programme. The Faenza-based crew has historically performed an essential position in getting ready younger drivers for System 1, with the likes of Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel among the many most profitable graduates of the Pink Bull system.
The present 2026 System 1 grid additionally options seven drivers who started their careers inside the Pink Bull Junior Programme, underlining the pathway’s significance to the broader Pink Bull organisation.
For Tsolov, the Imola take a look at offered his first alternative to expertise the bodily and technical calls for of a System 1 automobile from behind the wheel.
“First TPC day in a System 1 automobile executed, and I’m tremendous proud of how immediately went,” Tsolov mentioned. “I actually loved each lap and it’s tough to place into phrases what it means to lastly get this chance.”
The Bulgarian admitted that the importance of the event had not but absolutely sunk in, having spent a lot of his profession working in direction of the chance to drive a System 1 automobile.
“It’s one thing I’ve been working in direction of my entire life, so to lastly expertise it’s fairly unimaginable,” he added.
Tsolov additionally thanked Racing Bulls and the Pink Bull Junior Workforce for his or her assist and for giving him the chance to finish his first F1 take a look at.
“A large thanks to VCARB and the Pink Bull Junior Workforce for believing in me and giving me this chance,” he mentioned.
Regardless of the importance of the day, Tsolov remained targeted on studying as a lot as potential from the expertise reasonably than merely having fun with the milestone.
“I nonetheless don’t assume I’ve absolutely comprehended what we achieved immediately, however I loved each lap and hopefully I’ll get the prospect so as to add some extra kilometres quickly,” he concluded.
First time in an #F1 automobile ✅
Our Pink Bull Junior Workforce driver, Nikola Tsolov, took half in our TPC immediately in Imola, getting some helpful mileage underneath his belt 🤝#VCARB pic.twitter.com/AkJzwHD2qf
— Visa Money App Racing Bulls F1 Workforce (@visacashapprb) August 27, 2026
Racing Bulls crew principal additionally praised Tsolov’s efficiency, highlighting the composure he displayed whereas adapting to System 1 equipment for the primary time.
“Right now was a very constructive step for Nikola,” the crew principal mentioned. “He tailored rapidly to the automobile and confirmed the composure you wish to see from a driver taking over an F1 automobile for the primary time.”
The crew views the take a look at as a part of a much wider improvement programme designed to offer its junior drivers the expertise required to progress in direction of System 1.
“The outing is a part of the continued improvement plan the crew runs for its junior drivers, giving them the instruments, the mileage, and the atmosphere to develop,” the crew principal defined.
For Tsolov, the 690 kilometres accomplished at Imola signify a precious addition to his expertise and will present essential data that may be utilized to his continued improvement as a racing driver.
The take a look at additionally provides Racing Bulls a possibility to evaluate the progress of one other member of the Pink Bull Junior Workforce whereas offering Tsolov with first-hand expertise of the methods, procedures and traits related to a contemporary System 1 automobile.
“We’ve seen again and again what this pathway can produce, and it’s days like immediately which can be a part of how we preserve constructing it,” the crew principal added.
The Bulgarian’s first System 1 outing due to this fact represents greater than only a milestone. It’s one other stage in a improvement pathway that has already produced a number of Grand Prix winners and World Champions.
With 690 kilometres of precious F1 mileage now underneath his belt, Tsolov will hope the Imola take a look at is the primary of many alternatives to proceed studying behind the wheel of System 1 equipment as he pursues his final purpose of becoming a member of the grid.
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