Simspark Racing: Between expectations and reality
- VFC-Media
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
2025 was a learning year for Simspark Racing — 2026 is meant to be the year of execution. With a better understanding of the system, clearer processes, and a start package that should work right away, the team wants to be “in it” from the very first race. How they rate the pre-season, why the competition looks even tougher this year, and what targets they’re setting is explained by James Hayter, Alvin Tran and Christian Dittmer in this interview.
Welcome to 2026! Now that we have been through the pre-season, how do you feel the team did?
James Hayter:
"I think we are more prepared than we were last season which is a great sign and also it is good that we have learnt a bit more about the upgrades/updates system compared to our rookie season" Alvin Tran:
"Definitely more ready this season. Last year, it was a matter of catching up to the rest of the field, and by the time we caught up, we only had a few races left to go. This season’s been a change now that we’re in our sophomore year, and we definitely have more in store."
Christian Dittmer:
"I think we did well on the Upgrades, even though the work to get there was a bit of a mess and we almost fucked up but we have a good car for the start of the season which we definitely need to use."
Overall, it sounds like a stronger starting point than in 2025: more system knowledge, better preparation, and — as Dittmer puts it — a start package that should work immediately. That’s also the key pressure point, though: if the season begins strongly, Simspark have to convert that opportunity early into clean weekends and tangible results.
Is there anyone you particularly are afraid of?
James Hayter:
"I think the new teams will be very strong throughout the season but I hope and I believe that we can still do a great job and build on last year."
Alvin Tran:
"No. Maybe other people should be about me though."
Christian Dittmer:
"Not one Team in particular but we should be worried about many Teams, this year will be extremely competitive."
Hayter expects serious pressure from the new teams, Dittmer underlines how deep the overall field is, and Tran brings a clear dose of confidence. That mix will matter: 2026 won’t be a fight against one single rival, but against many — and in that kind of season, steady processes and low-error weekends become the real advantage.
What are your goals for the season?
James Hayter:
"I would say the goal for this season is to be more consistent and hopefully improve on our championship position from last year. We would love to fight for podiums again and hopefully we can challenge for race wins and also be in the top 8 shootout more often with both cars and drivers."
Alvin Tran:
"Benjamin Reinhardt was able to reach the podium last year, I feel like it’s time for me to do the same. I’m not allowing just top 10 finishes this year."
Christian Dittmer:
"Our realistic goal should be to score some Points, like i said before, this year will be more competitive than ever before, more teams, more drivers but still just 12 points positions, if we are able to score some points on regular occasions will be like a podium for us to be honest, consistency & regular points should be the goal for us."
The targets range from ambitious to deliberately pragmatic: Hayter wants more consistency while still looking toward podium territory, Tran is pushing for the next personal step, and Dittmer focuses on the “currency” of this season — scoring points regularly. With more teams but the same limited points-paying positions, that balance will be crucial: aim high, but execute cleanly.
Are there any particular tracks you think your car will be particularly strong at?
James Hayter:
"I would hope that the car is strong at Silverstone as it is the teams home race and also at Miami as that is the drivers home race. I hope we have a consistently strong car throughout the season.."
Alvin Tran:
"Really eying up Miami this year, think I can do a lot of good work at my home race. Spa was great to me last year as well, so I’m looking forward to that as well.."
Christian Dittmer:
"I dont think so, i think we have a good base car on every Circuit."
Dittmer’s “good base everywhere” suggests Simspark don’t want to rely on one specific track type. The real test will be whether that baseline still holds up as the field develops through the season — and whether it can be translated into consistent points rather than “almost” weekends.
How do you prepare for the races? Do you have engineers or do you use overlays?
James Hayter:
"We are hoping to get engineers for this season to try and improve the team. We prepare for races by helping the team with setups especially if the drivers are struggling with finding a good solid setup. This year we are hoping to be better with setup work compared to last year. We also have a weather forecast link that we use to help the drivers out if there is any rain forecast and when we think it could hit the track."
Alvin Tran:
"It’s all in repetition. That’s why I did so good at Spa, and I’m making sure that I keep that momentum throughout the whole season, not just one race."
Christian Dittmer:
"I prepare by mainly doing race fuel laps to get the consistency in to be able to do my race and see what happens, testing out different strategies and fuel loads will be more effective than ever before."
Simspark Racing aren’t short on ambition — and that’s exactly what makes their second year so interesting. But the decisive step won’t come from statements; it will come from execution. In an extremely competitive field, Simspark will be judged by how often a solid base turns into real points. If the season start is as strong as they hope, the team has a genuine opportunity to set an early marker. If not, the risk is simple: 2026 becomes another year where expectations grow faster than the results.
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