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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