The DAMS Lucas Oil driver put on an eye-catching performance, clocking a lap time of 1 minute 28.343 seconds – his personal best – to place just 0.813 secs behind leader Theophile Nael from Campos Racing, demonstrating significant progress before the start of the new season, reports the Bangkok Post.
The three-day programme took place between Feb 10-12, with 30 top young drivers from around the world participating. Nandhavud underwent intensive testing, accumulating over 213 laps (995km) to fine-tune his new F3 car and familiarise himself with its system.
“I am very happy to be back behind the wheel and working fully with the DAMS Lucas Oil team again,” he said.
“The three days of testing in Barcelona showed many positive signs. We found the right setup and learned more about the tire behaviour. Although there is still quite a bit of work to do, the reduction in the time gap to less than a second from the leading group gives me and the team more confidence for the first race of the season."
Nandhavud, 19, will race in the season opener, held as a support race to the Formula 1 championship, at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne between Mar 6-8.
Nandhavud competed in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine with Trident Motorsport for two seasons before joining French outfit DAMS Lucas Oil in October last year.