Consistency as the Key: Arrow Racing Focus on Development in 2026

Ahead of the 2026 season opener, we spoke to Arrow Racing duo Stefan Cerne and Markus Leonhardt. They shared how they rate their current package, whether there are any rivals they are particularly watching, and what goals they have set themselves for the season.

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Welcome to 2026! Now that the pre-season upgrades are complete, how satisfied are you with what you have put together as a team?

Stefan Cerne:

"Our car might currently be one of the weaker ones, but we’re confident we can close the gap to the other teams. With the development budget we still have left, we should be able to improve the car and eliminate the weaknesses we find in the first few races." Markus Leonhardt:

"Very good — we have developed a lightweight car with a solid base. That makes it somewhat easier for us to drive and build consistency, so that for now we can regularly finish races regardless of the position."

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While Cerne offers a realistic assessment of the current performance level, both drivers share a clear theme for the opening phase of the season: learn quickly, identify weaknesses early, and use the remaining development resources wisely to move forward step by step.

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Is there anyone you’re particularly worried about?

Stefan Cerne:

"Since I’m used to being towards the back of the field, I’m not particularly worried about anyone."

Markus Leonhardt:

"There are many good drivers and teams this year, but no single team or individual really stands out. We’ll see exactly who our competition is after the first few races."

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With no single rival circled yet, the focus shifts to what matters most at this stage: taking progress from every race weekend — and turning that into clear, realistic season targets.

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What are your goals for the season?

Stefan Cerne:

"Our goals are to score some points and finish as often as possible. We also want to improve our driving skills as much as we can."

Markus Leonhardt:

"First, a good start to the season and further development of the car. Then, from the halfway point of the season, picking up a few more points to finish ahead of my former teammate Christian Dittmer and his new team Simspark."

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With a clear focus on consistency and development, Cerne and Leonhardt head into 2026 with realistic expectations — but also with a concrete plan to make progress quickly. The opening races will be crucial to identify the car’s biggest weaknesses and convert the remaining development budget into tangible performance. If they can keep finishing, keep learning, and keep improving step by step, the points will follow. And from mid-season onwards, the benchmark becomes even clearer: closing in on the direct rivals — and, as Leonhardt puts it, putting themselves in a position to outscore familiar opponents over the course of the championship.