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The New Zealand Grand Prix crowns the first champion of the season and ends T-318 official Formula Regional story, while UAE4 and FRME head to Dubai for their penultimate round


The final weekend of January will award the first title of the season for Tatuus single-seaters. The Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy is set to crown its new champion at the end of the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix, one of the most anticipated events on the motorsport calendar in the Southern Hemisphere and the last official Formula Regional race for Tatuus T-318. At the same time, the Formula Middle East campaign continues in the UAE with two categories heading into a decisive phase of their season.


Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania

As tradition dictates, the CT-FROT promoted by Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand is the first Tatuus championship of the year to reach its conclusion. The exceptionally high level of the grid has produced one of the most competitive editions in recent memory, packed with close battles and intense duels. The title will be decided after the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix — the fourth and final race of the weekend — with six drivers still in contention: Ugo Ugochukwu (M2 Competition), Freddie Slater (M2 Competition), Louis Sharp (mtec Motorsport), Jin Nakamura (Hitech TGR), Ryan Wood (mtec Motorsport) and Kanato Le (Hitech TGR).


All eyes are on the internal M2 Competition showdown between Ugochukwu and Slater, separated by just 18 points heading into the three official races of the final round. This follows an additional race held on Friday at Highlands Motorsport Park, run to make up for the session cancelled a week earlier at Teretonga (Round 3) due to adverse weather conditions.


Slater (250 points) arrives at the title decider on a strong comeback, having claimed three victories in the last four rounds, while Ugochukwu (268 points) defends the advantage built during a stellar opening phase of the season, which saw him step onto the podium in five of the first six races. Leading the chase group is local favourite Louis Sharp, currently third on 234 points.


Saturday will begin with the traditional New Zealand Grand Prix knockout qualifying format (Q1, Q2 and Q3), starting at 10:43 local time (22:43 CET on Friday), followed by Race 1 at 15:50 local time (03:50 CET on Saturday).

Sunday will feature Race 2 at 11:50 local time (23:50 CET on Saturday) and the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix at 16:33 local time (04:33 CET on Sunday): the last official Formula Regional race for Tatuus T-318 cars.


All qualifying sessions and races will be streamed live on the Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand YouTube channel.



FR Middle East Trophy

The FRME leaves Abu Dhabi and heads to Dubai for the third and penultimate round of the debut season of the new Tatuus T-326.


In the UAE capital, Rashid Al Dhaheri (R-ace GP, Yas Heat livery) collected three victories and one second place across six races, arriving in Dubai at the top of the championship standings. Chasing him between Dubai and Lusail — which will host the final round on 13–15 February — are a tightly packed group of rivals, led by Kean Nakamura-Berta (Mumbai Falcons, second and 35 points behind) and Alex Powell (Pinnacle, third at 54 points).


The weekend schedule will open with the usual Friday test sessions, before qualifying on Saturday at 08:50 local time (05:50 CET) and Race 1 at 12:35 local time (09:35 CET). On Sunday, Race 2 will start at 08:55 local time (05:55 CET), followed by Race 3 at 12:35 local time (09:35 CET).


Qualifying and races will be streamed live on the championship’s YouTube channel.


UAE4

The companion series to the FRME, both promoted by Top Speed, also moves from Yas Marina to the Dubai Autodrome. Oleksandr Bondarev (Mumbai Falcons) leads the championship standings heading into the weekend, ahead of R-ace GP teammates Andy Consani and Kenzo Craigie.


As in FRME, Friday testing will set the stage for a weekend that officially begins with qualifying on Saturday at 08:00 local time (05:00 CET), followed by Race 1 at 11:30 (08:30 CET). Sunday will feature Race 2 at 08:00 (05:00 CET) and Race 3 at 11:30 (08:30 CET).


Once again, qualifying and races will be broadcast live on the series’ official YouTube channel.

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Gallery – Images from the Tatuus T-326 Dynamic Shooting at Yas Marina
Gallery – Images from the Tatuus T-326 Dynamic Shooting at Yas Marina

Breathtaking images of the Formula Regional Middle East Trophy T-326 cars captured at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
The Formula Regional Middle East Trophy and the iconic Yas Marina Circuit provided the perfect setting for the debut of the new Tatuus T-326, the second-generation Formula Regional single-seater. As per tradition, among the many activities organised by the Top Speed–promoted series, a dedicated dynamic car-to-car photoshoot took place on track. The result is a striking sequence of images showcasing the new Tatuus single-seater in action, set against one of the most spectacular and recognisable circuits in global motorsport.
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News
The new Tatuus T-326 makes its competitive debut under the lights of Yas Marina
The new Tatuus T-326 makes its competitive debut under the lights of Yas Marina

32 cars on track in the stunning Abu Dhabi setting as a new era of Formula Regional racing begins with the new Tatuus single-seater

The sun, breathtaking sunsets and iconic night lights of Yas Marina provided the perfect stage for the long-awaited competitive debut of the new Tatuus T-326. Following the rollout of the first prototype on August 1st, 2025, last weekend marked the first official race outing for the new-generation Formula Regional car, with 32 single-seaters (three for each of the 11 teams) battling on the Abu Dhabi circuit.
The race weekend was only the highlight of an intense week of preparation and testing, during which teams completed the very first competitive kilometres with their cars. Throughout the process, they were supported trackside by the Korus group structure, with more than 20 Tatuus and ATM engineers and technicians on site to provide full operational and technical support, including car management and spare parts logistics.

Testing: the first kilometres for the new Formula Regional generation
Tuesday, January 13th marked the true on-track debut of the Tatuus T-326, as all 32 cars began accumulating mileage and allowing teams and drivers to familiarise themselves with the many technical innovations introduced with the new Formula Regional generation.
Lap times immediately highlighted a clear step forward compared to the previous T-318 benchmark, with Taito Kato (ART Grand Prix) setting the fastest time at 1:48.053. Overall, the field showed extremely close gaps , underlining the high level of competitiveness.
Four test sessions were held on Tuesday, followed by four more on Wednesday, January 14th. Thursday was then dedicated to data analysis and preparation ahead of the first official race weekend for the new car.

Free practice and qualifying
Friday’s free practice sessions officially opened the race weekend, with Christian Ho (MP Motorsport) and Alex Powell (Pinnacle) topping the timesheets in the first and second sessions respectively. Powell then confirmed his strong pace during Saturday morning practice, ahead of Kabir Anurag (ART) and Maksimilian Popov (Trident) .
Saturday afternoon saw tension rise with the double qualifying session, which awarded pole positions to Alexander Abkhazava (MP Motorsport) and local hero Rashid Al Dhaheri (Yas Heat – R-ace GP) . Al Dhaheri also secured the fastest overall qualifying time (1:48.148), earning pole position for Race 3 and a front-row start for Race 1 alongside Abkhazava.

The races
Under the warm glow of Saturday’s sunset, the grid formed for the first race of the new Formula Regional era , which got underway at 17:55. Thirty-one minutes later, it was Alexander Abkhazava who crossed the finish line first under the floodlights of Yas Marina, converting pole position into victory while holding off Rashid Al Dhaheri , who finished just 0.443 seconds behind. Completing the podium was the top rookie, Maksimilian Popov (Trident). The trophies were presented by Tatuus President Gianfranco De Bellis .
Sunday’s daytime races proved far more eventful, with multiple incidents leading to Safety Car periods and red flags.
Race 2, featuring a reversed grid, was won by another MP Motorsport driver, Christian Ho . He was joined on the podium by Miguel Costa (RPM) and Alex Ninovic (Rodin Motorsport) .
Race 3 saw Rashid Al Dhaheri complete an almost perfect weekend. After Saturday’s strong performances, the Abu Dhabi-born driver maintained his pace, defended confidently and stayed focused through multiple interruptions to claim victory and take the provisional championship lead — a result that will remain a defining moment for both the young driver and the Formula Regional Middle East Trophy.

Looking ahead
Following a highly successful opening round, attention now turns immediately to preparation for the next event.
The Tatuus T-326 will return to action this weekend (January 23–25) , once again at the Yas Marina Circuit, for Round 2 of the four-round Formula Regional Middle East Trophy 2026.
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News
Korus Group is Born
Korus Group is Born

The Group brings together eight leading Italian companies in an integrated motorsport ecosystem: the first capable of bridging the worlds of karting and racing cars.

Korus Group officially took shape on October 27, 2025 , as the Italian platform representing motorsport excellence at 360 degrees worldwide. Korus, whose majority shares are held by the “TEC Racing ” vehicle promoted within the “The Equity Club ” initiative, is built on the solid foundations of Tatuus Racing, ATM - Autotecnica Motori, and Breda Racing , which began joining forces in 2017–2018. They were later joined by YCOM in 2024, while in 2025 majority acquisitions of BirelArt, Next Solution Technologies, IAME, and Kart Republic were completed. Korus Group thus emerges as a true motorsport ecosystem — the only one in the world capable of bringing together under one roof iconic manufacturing brands from both karting and open - and closed-wheel racing , creating a high-value bridge across the worlds of motorsport and engineering. It represents a comprehensive hub for 360-degree racing, capable of designing and manufacturing in- house — thanks to the work of more than 360 employees — every element that contributes to a racing vehicle, and supporting its life on track. A Group that, much like a chorus, operates in synergy to achieve one harmonious result . A defining trait of the Group is its Italian DNA, a distinctive hallmark shared by all companies united under the Korus brand. Together, they bring elite positioning in the global motorsport landscape, combining strong tradition and heritage with a natural drive for innovation . The result is a balance that consistently gives rise to projects and products which, after taking shape in the Italian headquarters of the Group’s companies, take to racetracks around the world.
An ecosystem capable of creating every type of vehicle — and every component that makes it — with a focus on racing but an open eye toward natural connections with the automotive and mobility industries. A true “one-stop shop ” for any high-performance project seeking excellence, engineering, speed of execution, and collective manufacturing capability to turn vision into success. The entrepreneurs and managers who led each company to success now converge at the head of the Group as minority shareholders , combining vision and experience while giving tangible proof of the commitment made by some of Italy’s most prominent business families . The Group also benefits from a cross-functional management structure , coordinating key strategic areas — from engineering to finance, business development, and communications — to foster operational synergy and shared growth among the companies within the holding.
“We are living a historic moment for our companies and for Italian motorsport”, said Giovanni Delfino, CEO of Korus Group . “What began in 2017 with Tatuus and ATM reaches today a new stage of growth and recognition thanks to the arrival of companies that not only embody the spirit with which this holding was created, but are also established leaders in both racing and karting. Thanks to major investments in the karting sector, we are now creating the only organization in the world capable of building a bridge between karting and open- and closed-wheel racing — a strong and revolutionary connection, grounded in the solid foundations of our Group’s shared projects, engineering excellence, and the talents that drive them every day. ”
“When TEC Racing acquired the majority stake in May 2023, it did so with a clear vision”, added Roberto Ferraresi, CEO of The Equity Club. “A vision built on the awareness that motorsport was entering a phase of major expansion, and that bringing together niche yet elite Italian companies could create a truly world-leading group. Thanks to a structure rich in expertise, and the mutual trust shared among the many managers and entrepreneurs who have chosen to join the Korus project, that vision has today become a well-defined reality — one built on growth, ambition, and a deep passion for motorsport.”
“Motorsport has always been synonymous with projects born through collective effort.” said Gianfranco De Bellis, President of Korus Group. “Korus embodies the true essence of motorsport — the ability to deliver complete projects through deep engineering and innovation expertise, combined with the unique capacity to support drivers through every stage of their growth. Each company within the Group is committed to excellence through teamwork, passion, and meticulous attention to detail in every decision.”

Mission, Vision and Values Mission: Where Passion Meets Performance Racing is at the heart of everything we do. As a trusted partner in motorsport, we provide 360° solutions with expertise, innovation, and care for details and customers.
Vision: Shaping the Future of Motorsport Be the global leader and trendsetter, the unique choice for those seeking innovation, excellence, and passion for motorsport culture.
Passion What fuels and empowers us in every challenge we fire-up.
Team Spirit We win together.
Excellence Dedication to the highest quality and performance.
The Group’s Composition
Tatuus : Founded in 1980, Tatuus is a world leader in the design and production of single-seater race cars for Formula 4, Formula Regional, and similar competitive categories that shape the careers of most drivers worldwide — including 19 of the 20 current Formula 1 drivers. Since January 2023, Tatuus headquarters have been located in Lainate, on the border with Arese — a historic location in Italian motorsport. The over 4,000-square-meter facility was purpose-built to meet the company’s needs and stands on the former grounds of Alfa Romeo’s historic site.
ATM - Autotecnica Motori: Founded in 1977, ATM is a leading company in the design and production of racing engines for Formula 4, Formula Regional, GT, touring cars, and hypercars. It is one of the elite engine manufacturers capable of handling the entire process — from concept to complete power unit — including design, development, manufacturing, and testing. Located in Casalmaggiore (CR), at the edge of Italy’s Motor Valley, ATM’s headquarters completed a major expansion in 2025, tripling its space and adding new engine test rooms and an advanced CNC department.
Breda Racing: Established in 1988, Breda Racing has been the Group’s manufacturing hub since 2018, specializing in two main areas: racing car components and technical equipment. From the smallest part to halo structures for formula cars and full chassis for supercars, Breda Racing ensures the highest standards of craftsmanship in motorsport while also providing top-level equipment for car management — both on track and in the headquarters of the world’s leading teams.
YCOM: Since 2008, YCOM has been a trusted partner to major players thanks to its engineering capabilities, vehicle development expertise, and composite materials know-how. From its headquarters in Collecchio, YCOM delivers complete solutions for motorsport and mobility, with a particular focus on GT and Endurance racing — including a proud tradition at Le Mans, a symbolic location for the company. From design to production and testing, YCOM manages end-to-end programs with efficiency, speed, and precision.
Next Solution Technologies: Founded in 2001, Next Solution specializes in electronics and electromechanics for motorsport. From the headlights that illuminate Le Mans’ straights to the steering wheels of Tatuus single-seaters, and a wide range of electrical and electronic components, the company develops the beating heart of competition vehicles. Its expertise, born on the track, continues today with performance engineering support directly to teams competing at the highest levels.
BirelArt: Since 1959, Birel has been synonymous with Italian excellence in the production and development of racing and rental karts. The brand embodies the perfect fusion of tradition and innovation in karting — the true cradle of motorsport — supported by technical know-how and manufacturing excellence that have contributed to the careers of many Formula 1 drivers. Located in Lissone, the 6,000-square-meter headquarters includes four main departments. Quality and innovation are ensured by the synergy between advanced machinery, the racing department, and the technical office, which work together to create tailored solutions.
Kart Republic: A benchmark of innovation and success, KR is today one of the most accomplished and recognized names in international karting. A true talent incubator, Kart Republic has become a creative lab that — through passion and expertise — has built the karts that launched the careers of many of today’s top racing stars.
IAME: With 60 world titles, numerous international victories, and a long history of young talents who became world champions powered by its engines, IAME stands among the global leaders in karting. Tradition and innovation combine in the development of high-performance engines for karting categories worldwide. IAME also plays a major role in sporting promotion through its national and international racing activities, further strengthening its commitment to nurturing the next generation of drivers.

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News
FIA Formula Regional European Championship: The new Tatuus T-326 unveiled at Monza
FIA Formula Regional European Championship: The new Tatuus T-326 unveiled at Monza

From 2026, the FIA Formula Regional European Championship will adopt the new Tatuus T-326, marking the introduction of the second generation of Formula Regional cars.
Monza, 24 October 2025 At the Temple of Speed in Monza, the brand-new Tatuus T-326 was unveiled. The single-seater that will take centre stage in the FIA Formula Regional European Championship, organized and promoted by ACI, starting from 2026. The result of an intense development effort by Tatuus Racing, the T-326 (subject to FIA homologation) represents the second generation of Formula Regional cars, marking the evolution of the previous T-318, which since 2019 has accompanied the rise of many talented drivers such as Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto, Isack Hadjar and Franco Colapinto on their path towards the higher echelons of motorsport. Aerodynamics and Performance Developed in full compliance with the latest FIA regulations, the T-326 brings a major step forward in terms of performance, aerodynamics, and safety. The new car has been designed to be lighter, more stable, and more responsive, featuring an improved chassis architecture and a revised suspension system that enhances steering precision and overall balance through corners. Aerodynamic efficiency, inspired by the latest trends from top-level single-seater series, ensures increased overall downforce and reduced wake effect, improving overtaking opportunities and on-track racing quality. From 2026, the Championship will adopt Pirelli tyres as single supplier, fitted on new 15-inch OZ wheels, ensuring technical continuity and uniform performance across the grid. ATM163T Engine: Power, Efficiency and Innovation The T-326 will be powered by the brand-new ATM163T engine, developed by Autotecnica Motori and derived from the Toyota G16E unit. This represents the first three-cylinder engine ever introduced in Formula Regional history, developed in collaboration with TOM’S to deliver high performance combined with improved energy efficiency and reliability. The project fully aligns with the new FIA standards for sustainability and technological innovation.
Safety and Ergonomics at the Core The next-generation chassis complies with the highest FIA safety standards, featuring reinforced structures and updated components such as new-design front and rear crash boxes, anti-intrusion panels, and a revised roll-over protection system. Inside the cockpit, the ergonomic configuration has been optimised to ensure a comfortable driving position suitable for a wide range of drivers, improving visibility, comfort, and overall driving experience. Technical Partnerships The T-326 has been developed in collaboration with a strong network of top-tier motorsport partners: ARS Tech, Giga Composite, Carbonmade and La Compositi for carbon fibre components; Breda Racing, Eibach and Andreani for the suspension system; PFC Brakes and Tilton for the braking system. On-board electronics have been developed in partnership with Marelli, Next Solution and Nope Engineering, while the package is completed by the Sadev SLR-82 gearbox, Sabelt harnesses, OMP safety systems, and components from Galletto and Gieffe, forming a technical platform of absolute excellence. Following an initial testing phase between August and October involving several professional drivers and test specialists, the new Tatuus T-326 is now ready to take to the track. Its official debut in 2026 will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the category, reaffirming its mission to nurture the next generation of international motorsport talents.
Statements
Tatuus and ATM CEO Giovanni Delfino “Tatuus and ATM have been part of the FIA Formula Regional story since day one. We are proud to continue this journey through a car that reflects our Group’s technical synergy and engineering capabilities, representing a tangible step forward. Just like the T-318 was the launchpad for many world class drivers, we are confident the new Tatuus T-326 will be the training ground for tomorrow’s racing stars. ”
Tatuus President Gianfranco De Bellis “Motorsport is a dynamic landscape filled with series and projects that continually revive our passion for innovation. With the T-326, we’re ready to write an exciting new chapter, standing alongside the Formula Regional European Championship, FIA and ACI Sport, and backed by a network of top-tier technical partners who daily support our success. ”
FIA Single-Seater Committee President, Emanuele Pirro “The new FR car hits all the objectives we have set for this level of single-seater racing. The cars will be safer and more efficient whilst also being faster and more raceable – this is a really amazing achievement thanks to the work of the FIA. I’d also like to thank ACI and Tatuus for their commitment to this next phase for the European Championship – we are making this platform essential for any young racing drivers looking to progress to international competition.” FIA Single-Seater Operations and Junior Categories Director, François Sicard “We are very proud to unveil the second generation FIA Formula Regional car. The Tatuus T-326 represents the evolution of the FR category as we move forward both from a technical point of view, and also in terms of the organisation of the FIA’s single-seater pyramid. "The combination of technological, safety and performance upgrades demonstrates the innovation that drives motor sport, and as the FIA Formula Regional European Championship becomes a fully FIA-administered competition from 2026, the educational value for the young drivers who will become the stars of the future takes a huge step. We can’t wait to see this car in action on the track very soon .”
General Tullio DEL SETTE, Extraordinary Commissioner of ACI “The presentation of the new Tatuus T-326 is a highly significant event for Italian motorsport, marking another milestone in the organizational achievements of ACI’s Sporting Federation in a year, 2025, that has seen Formula 1 races in Italy reach record attendance figures and receive widespread praise from both F.O.M. and the F.I.A. The latter has officially entrusted ACI with the organization of the new European Formula Regional Championship, for which this single-seater has been specifically designed .
“This project once again demonstrates our country’s ability to deliver outstanding technical and industrial excellence recognized worldwide. The collaboration between Tatuus, Autotecnica Motori, Pirelli and other Italian partners is tangible proof of a system that works and continues to grow. Seeing a championship promoted and organized by ACI Sport adopting a chassis entirely developed and built in Italy is a source of great pride and confidence in the future. With the FIA Formula Regional European Championship, we are entering a new phase of consolidation of Italy’s leadership in motorsport and of ACI’s role on the international stage. ”
Giovanni Battista Tombolato Deputy Extraordinary Commissioner of ACI “With the Tatuus T-326, we continue along a path that combines tradition, innovation, and strategic vision. This car embodies the philosophy of Formula Regional: providing young drivers with a top-level technical environment, sustainable costs, and a solid organizational structure behind them. The pathway created by the FIA and deployed by ACI Sport, from Formula 4 to Formula Regional, has become a benchmark on the international scene. The continued collaboration with Tatuus and other Italian suppliers strengthens this virtuous model, which has enabled many young drivers to grow and progress through the ranks, all the way to Formula 1. ”
Antonino Geronimo La Russa President-elect of ACI “The new Tatuus T-326 perfectly represents the excellence and expertise of Italian motorsport. Its chassis and components are the result of companies that have been working alongside ACI Sport for years, contributing to the development of entire generations of drivers. With the debut of the car, the FIA Formula Regional European Championship renews both its international identity and its strong connection with ‘Made in Italy’ technology. It is a result that fills us with pride and reaffirms ACI’s role as a key institution in nurturing and promoting young talents within our sport. ”
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