The Imola Test Opens the Door for Tsolov to a First Practice Session as Early as 2026
Nikola Tsolov’s first Formula 1 test at Imola may be more than a one-off – foreign outlets report it could unlock a genuine chance at an FP1 outing this season, rather than having to wait until 2027.
Nikola Tsolov’s first test in a Formula 1 car at Imola is turning out to be more than a one-off event – according to foreign outlets, it could also unlock a genuine chance for the Bulgarian to take the wheel in an official free-practice session as early as this season, rather than having to wait until 2027.
Formula 1’s rules require a driver without race experience to accumulate a certain amount of mileage in current-generation cars before being allowed to take part in a Friday practice session, and it’s exactly that requirement the Imola test helps satisfy. A recent practice session at Monza shows just how packed the established teams’ schedules already are, but it’s exactly windows like that which are being sought for a young talent’s debut.
If the scenario plays out, it would be another historic step for Tsolov – from Formula 2 championship leader to a driver who has sat behind the wheel on a race weekend at motorsport’s highest level, well before many of his peers get a similar chance.
