Bulgarian Nikola Tsolov, current leader of Formula 2 and Red Bull’s main bet for the future in Formula 1, will participate in a private Previous Cars Test (TPC) session in Imola on Friday (28), in which he needs to meet an FIA (International Automobile Federation) mileage requirement to obtain the Super License for Free Practice.
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Tsolov currently has 25 super license points. A member of the Red Bull Junior Team since before the 2025 season, he needs 40 points to qualify for a full-time seat within a three-year period.
However, to compete in an F1 free practice session the requirement is lower. According to the FIA International Sporting Code, drivers with at least 25 points can obtain the Super License for Free Practice after completing 300 kilometers in a representative Formula 1 car within two days.
This is the requirement that makes the TPC in Imola so important. If he reaches 300 kilometers, Tsolov will be eligible to participate in FP1 during an official Formula 1 weekend.
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The opportunity comes at a highlight moment for the Bulgarian, who has six wins and eight podiums in 2026. If he achieves eligibility tomorrow, he could be in contention for participation in FP1 already at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
Each Formula 1 team is required to reserve rookie test sessions during the season. Thus, the test in Imola not only represents mileage and experience with a modern hybrid car but can also remove an important regulatory barrier for Tsolov.
At the Italian circuit, therefore, each lap will have a specific goal: to complete the necessary distance to officially open the door to Grand Prix weekends.
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