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Barcelona, Spain – The 2026 Formula 2 pre-season testing commenced today at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with teams utilizing the three-day session to fine-tune their setups and evaluate driver performance ahead of the new season. Early pace-setting came from PREMA Racing’s Gabriele Minì in the morning, while MP Motorsport’s Oliver Goethe topped the timesheets in the afternoon, signaling potential frontrunners for the upcoming campaign.

The first day of testing saw a gradual increase in track activity as teams completed initial systems checks and installation laps. The focus for many was on gathering data and establishing a baseline understanding of tire performance and aerodynamic balance. The session provided a first look at the 2026 grid, with teams like Hitech, Invicta Racing, DAMS Lucas Oil, PREMA Racing, Rodin Motorsport, and Van Amersfoort Racing all present.

After a relatively quiet start, the track began to reach alive as drivers started pushing for quicker times. Goethe initially posted a leading lap of 1:33.803 before both he and Minì improved their times significantly. Minì ultimately set the fastest time of the morning session with a 1:26.375, demonstrating the potential of the PREMA Racing team.

The afternoon session saw Goethe capture control, recording a best lap of 1:26.040. Both MP Motorsport drivers completed 11 laps each during the afternoon, indicating a focused effort on data collection. The track experienced periods of quiet as drivers returned to the pit lane, allowing teams to analyze the information gathered.

The day wasn’t without its moments of interruption. A brief lull in activity occurred as teams worked through initial checks, but the overall conditions were deemed “decent” with a dry track despite chilly temperatures, allowing for consistent running.

Early Lap Times and Team Activity

While the morning began with installation laps, the competitive element quickly emerged. Goethe’s initial benchmark of 1:33.803 was quickly challenged, with Minì responding with a faster time. The PREMA Racing driver continued to refine his pace, eventually setting the morning’s fastest lap. The teams utilized the available track time to assess various tire compounds and aerodynamic configurations.

The live timing data, available here, allowed teams and fans to closely monitor the session’s progress. The ability to analyze sector times provided valuable insights into driver performance and car setup.

Looking Ahead to the Remaining Test Days

The Barcelona test represents a crucial opportunity for teams and drivers to prepare for the 2026 Formula 2 season. The three-day session will allow for extensive testing and development, providing valuable data to optimize car performance and refine driver skills.

The focus for the remaining two days will likely shift towards longer runs and race simulations, as teams attempt to replicate race conditions and assess tire degradation. The data collected will be instrumental in shaping the strategies and setups for the opening rounds of the championship.

The competitive landscape appears to be taking shape, with PREMA Racing and MP Motorsport demonstrating early pace. However, it’s still early days, and the performance hierarchy is likely to evolve as teams continue to develop their cars and drivers gain experience.

The next steps involve continued data analysis and refinement of car setups. Teams will be looking to maximize their track time and extract the most performance from their machines before the season opener.

Stay tuned for further updates as the pre-season testing continues. Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!

Dili, Timor-Leste – The government of Timor-Leste has strongly condemned the expulsion of its Chargé d’Affaires by Myanmar’s military junta, a move that sharply escalates tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations. The expulsion follows a decision by Timor-Leste’s judicial authorities to accept a criminal complaint against Myanmar’s armed forces, alleging war crimes. This unprecedented action by the newest member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) signals a firm stance against the ongoing crisis in Myanmar and a commitment to pursuing accountability for alleged human rights abuses.

The decision to accept the complaint, filed by the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO), centers on allegations of abuses, particularly in Myanmar’s northwestern Chin State. According to reports, the complaint targets senior members of Myanmar’s military, including junta chief Min Aung Hlaing. Timor-Leste’s willingness to investigate potential war crimes and crimes against humanity, based on the principle of universal jurisdiction, marks a significant departure from the traditionally non-interventionist approach within ASEAN. This action comes just four months after Timor-Leste formally joined the regional bloc in October 2025, as detailed by Wikipedia.

Myanmar’s state media announced the expulsion on Monday, February 16, 2026, ordering Timor-Leste’s senior diplomat to leave the country. The move, reported by the South China Morning Post, is considered a rare and assertive step between ASEAN member states. There was no immediate public response from Timor-Leste’s government at the time of the announcement.

The government of Timor-Leste, however, has since issued a statement reaffirming its solidarity with the people of Myanmar and calling for a return to democratic order. Spokesperson for the 9th Constitutional Government, Minister Agio Pereira, stated that “the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste remains firm in its conviction that only through dialogue and respect for the will of the people can a peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis in Myanmar be achieved.” The statement also urged the military junta to respect human rights and seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Timor-Leste’s Bold Move and the Principle of Universal Jurisdiction

Timor-Leste’s decision to pursue legal action against Myanmar’s military is based on the legal principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows domestic courts to prosecute individuals for international crimes regardless of where the crimes were committed or the nationality of the victims or perpetrators. As explained in The Conversation, this is a particularly noteworthy step, as it’s believed to be the first time an ASEAN state has taken such action against another member. This move underscores Timor-Leste’s commitment to international law and accountability, despite the potential for diplomatic repercussions.

The situation in Myanmar has been a source of international concern since the military coup in February 2021, which overturned democratic elections and plunged the country into a period of political and economic turmoil. The international community, including Timor-Leste, has consistently called for a peaceful resolution and respect for the fundamental rights of the Myanmar people.

Escalating Tensions Within ASEAN

The expulsion of Timor-Leste’s diplomat represents a significant escalation of tensions within ASEAN. The regional bloc has faced criticism for its perceived inaction in addressing the crisis in Myanmar, with some observers questioning its effectiveness in upholding human rights and democratic principles. Timor-Leste’s assertive stance challenges the traditional norms of non-interference within ASEAN and could potentially encourage other member states to take a stronger stand against the junta. An analyst discussing the situation can be found in this YouTube video.

The move also comes at a time when international law is facing increasing scrutiny, with some arguing that the system designed to protect civilians is at a “breaking point.” The limitations of international courts, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), in prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity have been widely debated, further highlighting the significance of Timor-Leste’s decision to pursue justice through its own domestic courts.

The situation remains fluid, and the implications of Timor-Leste’s actions are still unfolding. Further developments are expected as Timor-Leste’s judicial authorities assess the criminal complaint and consider whether to formally charge Myanmar’s military leaders. The international community will be closely watching how ASEAN responds to this unprecedented challenge to its internal dynamics and its commitment to upholding human rights in the region.

What are your thoughts on Timor-Leste’s bold move? Share your opinions in the comments below.