Bianca Bustamante Ends Eurocup-3 Season with Progress Despite Race Incident

MONTMELO, Barcelona — Filipina racing driver Bianca Bustamante recorded her best qualifying performance of the season at the Eurocup-3 finale in Barcelona on Sunday, securing 18th position in qualifying.

However, her progress was cut short during the second race when contact with another car damaged the front wing of her red No. 16 Dallara 326, forcing her to retire in the early laps.

Bustamante told TFCN that the incident happened shortly after a safety car restart, while she was battling for 20th position.

Despite the setback, she was pleased with the improvement she had made during the season.

"I don't think it takes away the steps we made today. I feel like it was the next step forward that I've been searching all season long," she said.

Bustamante acknowledged that the improvement may have come a little late in the season, but said she had gained more confidence in herself, her car and her team.

On Saturday, the 21-year-old Filipina finished 21st after starting 28th, gaining seven positions.

Bustamante was the only female driver in the 30-driver field, competing for Palou Motorsport, which secured the 2026 Eurocup-3 Teams' Championship ahead of the Barcelona finale.

Looking ahead to 2027, Bustamante said she plans to continue racing at the same level and in the same type of car.

She also thanked her Filipino supporters for helping her pursue her racing dreams.

"I've always believed that it takes a village to build a champion. Alam kong maraming sumusuporta sa akin sa Pilipinas, at dahil doon, nandito ako ngayon," she said.

"We have the strength in numbers. Let's keep supporting our athletes. At malayo mararating natin."