The first title for the new Tatuus T-326 and the UAE4 crown will be decided in Qatar, while Formula Winter Series heads to Valencia for another exciting round in a busy Tatuus weekend.
Just over a month into the new season, the first major verdicts are already approaching. Following the conclusion of the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy, attention now shifts to another season finale — this time for the two Formula Middle East categories promoted by Top Speed: the Formula Regional Middle East Trophy (FRME) and the UAE4 Championship.
Meanwhile, the European winter campaign continues with Round 3 of the Formula Winter Series by Gedlich at Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo Circuit.
Formula Regional Middle East Trophy
The Lusail International Circuit hosts the season finale of the championship that marked the competitive debut of the new Tatuus T-326, the second-generation Formula Regional car.
Heading into the final three races as championship leader is Rashid Al Dhaheri (R-ace GP – Yas Heat livery), who built a 24-point advantage over Kean Nakamura-Berta (Mumbai Falcons) thanks to three victories across the opening two rounds at Yas Marina. Still in contention is Alexander Abkhazava (MP Motorsport), winner of the opening race of the season and the first driver ever to take the T-326 to victory.
Track action in Lusail begins early, with testing scheduled for Wednesday, February 11. A busy Thursday will feature free practice, qualifying and Race 1 (18:00 local time / 16:00 CET). The two decisive races that will determine the 2026 Formula Regional Middle East Trophy champion will take place on Friday at 11:05 (9:05 CET) and 15:30 local time (13:30 CET).
It is also title-deciding time for the Formula 4-based UAE4 Championship, which shares the Lusail paddock with FRME.
Ukrainian driver Oleksander Bondarev (Mumbai Falcons), winner of four of the nine races held so far, arrives in Qatar with a 24-point advantage over French rival Andy Consani (R-ace GP). Still mathematically in contention — albeit 55 points off the lead — is Mercedes Junior driver Kenzo Craigie (R-ace GP).
The UAE4 schedule mirrors that of FRME, with testing on Wednesday, followed by free practice, qualifying and Race 1 on Thursday (16:45 local time / 14:45 CET). Friday will feature Race 2 at 9:45 and Race 3 at 14:15 local time (two hours ahead of Central European Time).
Both Top Speed-promoted championships will conclude with the official prize-giving ceremony on Friday evening.
The successful winter championship promoted by Gedlich also continues its momentum. After two opening rounds in Portugal, the series moves to Spain, with Valencia marking the halfway point of the 2026 Formula Winter Series season.
Dries Van Langendonck (Rodin Motorsport, McLaren Junior) arrives as championship leader, holding a commanding 42-point advantage after just six races, thanks to three victories and one second-place finish. Leading the chasing pack is Ary Bansal (US Racing), 2025 GB4 Champion.
The weekend will open with Friday testing, followed by qualifying and Race 1 on Saturday (14:20). Sunday will host Race 2 at 11:45 and Race 3 at 15:00.