February 23, 2026 – After four weeks of competition, the 2026 Formula Regional Middle East Trophy concluded on February 15 at Lusail International Runner-up title. Let’s look back at this season’s highlights.
Season recap
The 2026 Formula Regional Middle East Trophy kicked off with a major change for the teams: the introduction of the brand-new Tatuus T-326.
Round 1: First podiums in Abu Dhabi
R-ace GP showed strong performances from the championship opener in Abu Dhabi on January 17. The French squad claimed its first pole position and collected its first podiums and victories thanks to Emirati driver Rashid Al Dhaheri, member of the Mercedes-AMG F1 Junior Program.
The team and Al Dhaheri quickly moved to the top of their respective championships.
Round 2: Double pole and double victory for Al Dhaheri
The team kept on building momentum during the second weekend in Abu Dhabi. Rashid Al Dhaheri dominated the field, taking pole position for Races 1 and 3 and converting both into victories.
Round 3: Olivieri joins the line-up and scores a podium
At the end of January, the championship headed to Dubai Autodrome for Round 3, with a new addition to the team: Emanuele Olivieri, 2025 Formula 4 Middle East Champion.
Japanese driver Yuki Sano delivered an excellent qualifying performance for Race 3 (P2), but a crash in Race 2 prevented him from taking the start. Despite this setback, Olivieri secured another podium for the team by finishing third in Race 3.
Round 4: A challenging finale in Qatar
Still leading both championships, R-ace GP faced a tough weekend in Qatar.
Engine reliability issues during pre-event testing, combined with internal operational challenges, affected the team’s preparation, and qualifying results fall short of the level shown earlier in the season.
Although the Vendée-based team managed to address its weaknesses before the races — efforts that paid off with Olivieri setting the fastest lap in Race 2 — the outcome was ultimately already decided.
R-ace GP and Rashid Al Dhaheri finished as Runner-ups in the Teams’ and Drivers’ standings. “This reminds us how high the level of competition is, and that this sport is the ultimate school of humility,” explains Team Principal Thibaut de Mérindol.
Season Review
A Strong Campaign and a Competitive Team
Despite a frustrating finale, the overall results of the Middle East campaign remain highly positive.
“We have been competitive from the start and throughout the first three rounds. Aside from the qualifying preparation issues in Qatar, we delivered strong results and had everything we needed to win,” says Thibaut de Mérindol.
This first competitive outing of the year also allowed the team to further understand the new Formula Regional car. “We hit the ground running and learned a great deal about the new car. Obviously, we haven’t yet explored its full potential and there is more work to be done during the off season”, he adds.
Al Dhaheri, Sano and Olivieri: A promising driver line-up
With four podiums including three victories, Rashid Al Dhaheri delivered a strong Middle East campaign. “We were pleased to see him perform at this level. Rashid is very offensive and shows a great attitude on track,” says de Mérindol.
Joining mid-season, Emanuele Olivieri immediately made an impression by securing a podium on his first appearance in Dubai. “Emanuele showed strong competitiveness and impressive pace straight away. He fully confirmed what we already believed about him,” de Mérindol summarizes.
Yuki Sano, member of the TGR-DC (Toyota Gazoo Racing’s junior development program), demonstrated steady progress throughout the season. “We understand the challenges for drivers coming from Japan, who must adapt to European-style motorsport. But Yuki has already made significant progress and we are very optimistic,” de Mérindol affirms.
All eyes on the European Season
Building on the lessons learned in the Middle East, R-ace GP now turns its focus to the European season with ambition and determination. “Our line-up is very well balanced and we clearly have the potential to fight for podiums — and even wins,” says de Mérindol.
The objective is clear: capitalize on the experience gained, continue developing the car, and turn the potential shown this winter into success on European circuits.
The team will be back in action on April 25 for the opening round of the Formula Regional European Championship in Austria.