7 September 2026 – Following a short summer break, the Formula Regional European Championship (FREC) resumed this weekend at Imola, Italy. It was a successful return to competition for R-ace GP, which secured two podium finishes, including a victory from Emanuele Olivieri. With an additional win in the Rookie category, the Italian also clinched the Rookie Champion title.
Free practices
The weekend got off to a good start for Emanuele Olivieri (#73), who set the fastest time in free practice with a lap of 1:39.074. Rashid Al Dhaheri (#71) finished in P6, whilst Yuki Sano (#12) ended the session in tenth place.
Qualifying 1
Olivieri confirmed his excellent pace. The Italian set the fastest time in his group with a lap of 1:39.227 and secured pole position in the overall standings. Rashid Al Dhaheri finished third in his group, securing sixth on the grid, whilst Yuki Sano had a more difficult session and qualified in 27th place.
Race 1
Starting from pole, Emanuele Olivieri gave his rivals no chance in Race 1. The Italian secured another victory in the overall standings, as well as in the Rookie category.
With an impressive record of 15 podium finishes, including 10 victories, he became the first FREC Rookie Champion (under the series’ new format).
Meanwhile, Yuki Sano crossed the finish line in 17th place, whilst Rashid Al Dhaheri was unfortunately forced to retire.
Race 2
Rashid Al Dhaheri and Emanuele Olivieri both finished in the top 10, in 6th and 9th place respectively. Yuki Sano, however, was forced to retire.
Qualifying 2
On Sunday morning, Emanuele Olivieri once again set the fastest time in his group, this time securing P2 on the starting grid. Rashid Al Dhaheri qualified in P11 and Yuki Sano in P20.
Race 3
Emanuele Olivieri confirmed his consistency by securing another podium finish, taking second place at the finish. Rashid Al Dhaheri finished in 10th place, whilst Yuki Sano was once again forced to retire.
R-ace GP tops the Teams’ and Drivers’ standings
These excellent results also enable R-ace GP to retain the lead in the teams’ championship and take the lead in the drivers’ championship with Emanuele Olivieri.
The battle for the title will be decided next week at the FREC Grand Final, which will take place at Hockenheim in Germany.
To watch the races, click here.