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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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The first title of the season in New Zealand and the lights of Dubai light up a new, thrilling Tatuus weekend
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 roundThe 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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120 Tatuus single-seaters in NZ, Estoril & Abu Dhabi
The winter season is already in full swing with four series racing across the globe, featuring challenging weather conditions and intense battles.Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy
The third round of the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy was dominated by difficult weather, with intermittent rain and several Safety Car periods that tested the young drivers’ focus and adaptability.
In Race 1, Freddie Slater (M2 Competition) delivered a commanding performance in the wet, building a strong lead early and keeping control until the finish. Jin Nakamura (Hitech) followed in second with a solid and consistent drive, while Kalle Rovanperä (Hitech) claimed third, earning his first-ever podium in single-seaters.
Race 2, run with a reversed grid among the top finishers and still wet track conditions, saw Ugo Ugochukwu (M2 Competition) return to the top step. He managed the race expertly, holding off Ryan Wood (mtec Motorsport) , who secured a valuable second place. Cooper Shipman (Kiwi Motorsport) completed the podium with a strong and determined drive.
Race 3 was cancelled due to extreme weather and a prolonged track intervention, reducing the weekend to three points-scoring races.
The final race of the weekend saw Freddie Slater repeat his earlier victory , capitalizing on his speed and ability to read the changing track conditions at the decisive moment. Louis Sharp (mtec Motorsport) finished second, while Jin Nakamura returned to the podium in third.
It was a weekend where rain reshaped the championship battle . Ugochukwu’s win was not enough to preserve a wide margin, while Slater’s double success puts the title fight wide open ahead of the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix at Highlands Motorsport Park next week.
Formula Regional Middle East Trophy
The Formula Regional Middle East Trophy delivered a dramatic and significant weekend at Yas Marina , with the series running on the “Corkscrew” layout once again.
In Race 1 , Rashid Al Dhaheri (R-ace GP) took advantage of a perfect start to secure victory, ahead of Kean Nakamura-Berta (Mumbai Falcons) and Alex Powell (Pinnacle).
Race 2 unfolded in rare wet conditions , forcing teams to make early tyre choices and adapt to the changing track. Alex Ninovic (Rodin Motorsport) emerged victorious, using his wet tyres effectively to recover from a slow start and pass Jan Przyrowski (RPM) , who finished second. Maksimilian Popov (Trident Motorsport) completed the podium.
In Race 3, Al Dhaheri returned to the front , controlling the race to take another win, while Kean Nakamura-Berta once again secured second place. Sebastian Wheldon (Mumbai Falcons) rounded out the podium with a strong performance.
The next round is scheduled for January 30 in Dubai.
UAE4
The UAE4 series offered three competitive races, with mixed track conditions testing the young drivers’ balance and strategy.
In Race 1 , Oleksandr Bondarev (Mumbai Falcons) controlled the race from the start, taking the win ahead of Andy Consani (R-ace GP) and Scott Kin Lindblom (Hitech) .
Race 2 mirrored the FRME weekend , with changing conditions and wet patches that shook up the field. Bader Al Sulaiti (Hitech) took the win, followed by Niccolò Maccagnani (Mumbai Falcons) and Jarrett Clark (Xcel Motorsport).
In Race 3, Bondarev returned to the top step with a clean and error-free performance, while Andy Consani finished second and Scott Kin Lindblom third, repeating the podium of Race 1.
The UAE4 follows the FRME calendar, and the next round will also take place in Dubai on January 30.
Formula Winter Series
The 2026 Formula Winter Series kicked off at Estoril , with variable weather turning the three races into a true test for the young talents.
In Race 1 , run under intermittent rain, Dries Van Langendonck (Rodin Motorsport) claimed victory. Alfie Slater (Rodin Motorsport) finished second, while Levi Arn (Jenzer Motorsport) completed the podium in third, both showing strong pace in difficult conditions.
Race 2 was won by Rocco Coronel (Van Amersfoort Racing) , with Van Langendonck again on the podium in second. Thomas Bearman (Van Amersfoort Racing) completed the top three.
The weekend concluded with Race 3 , where Oleksandr Savinkov (US Racing) took the win. The podium was completed by two female drivers: Chiara Bättig (AS Motorsport Olimpija) in second and Mathilda Paatz (Mathilda Racing) in third.
The Gedlich-run Winter Series will stay in Portugal for the next round at Portimão on February 5, after a brief break.
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Tatuus on track with 120 single-seaters across Middle East, Oceania and Winter Series
From the Formula Regional Middle East Trophy to the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy, via UAE4 and Formula Winter Series, winter championships are back on trackFormula Regional Middle East Trophy The Formula Regional Middle East Trophy returns to Yas Marina for the second and final round held at the Abu Dhabi venue, ahead of the move to Dubai for Round 3. The weekend will see the new Tatuus T-326 back on track following their competitive debut last week.
The first race is scheduled for Saturday at 14:55 local time. Sunday will feature a double-header, with Race 2 starting at 11:05 and Race 3 at 15:30, both in local time. All races and qualifying sessions will be broadcast live on the championship’s official YouTube channel.
UAE4
The UAE4 championship also heads back to Yas Marina for the second round of the season. A large and highly competitive grid is set to take the start once again, underlining the depth of talent present in the series.
The weekend action begins on Saturday with Race 1 at 13:30 local time. On Sunday, Race 2 will start at 9:45, followed by Race 3 at 14:15. All races and qualifying sessions will be streamed live on the series’ YouTube channel.
Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy
The CT-FROT heads to Teretonga for the third round of the season, marking the penultimate event of the championship.
Qualifying will take place on Friday, while the four races of the round will be held over the weekend. Saturday’s action begins with Race 1 at 13:02 local time, followed by Race 2 at 14:06. Sunday will host the final two races: Race 3 is scheduled for 12:47, before the weekend concludes with the Spirit of a Nation Trophy at 4:26 local time. All races and qualifying sessions will be streamed live on Toyota GAZOO Racing New Zealand’s YouTube channel.
Formula Winter Series
The Formula Winter Series continues its season at the Estoril circuit, with a strong field of 31 drivers set to compete. Unusually cold and wet weather conditions are expected to play a role over the weekend, adding another variable to the on-track action
Race 1 will take place on Saturday at 13:15, while Sunday will feature Race 2 at 11:40 and the final race of the weekend at 15:30. Both Saturday and Sunday will be covered live on the series’ official YouTube channel.
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Tatuus single-seaters on track between New Zealand and Abu Dhabi
Formula Regional and Formula 4 returned to action with a new round of racing held between New Zealand and Abu Dhabi. Tatuus single-seaters once again drew attention through race victories, emerging talents and the debut of a car set to shape the seasonCastrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy The Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy contested its second round of the season at Taupo , with a race programme spread across two days. Ryan Wood (mtec Motorsport) was the main protagonist of the weekend, securing victory in both the first and fourth races. The remaining two races were won by James Wharton (HMD Motorsports) , claiming his first success of the season, and Zack Scoular (mtec Motorsport) , who took the top step of the podium in the final race.
Formula Regional Middle East Trophy The Formula Regional Middle East Trophy got underway at Yas Marina , marking the competitive debut of the new Tatuus T-326 powered by the ATM163T engine . The weekend, which saw local driver Rashid Al Dhaheri and MP Motorsport among the leading protagonists, is covered in detail in the dedicated article.
UAE Formula 4 The UAE Formula 4 championship also opened its season at Yas Marina . Oleksandr Bondarev, making his debut with Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited , started the campaign with victory in Race 1, a result that places him at the top of the standings. Race 2 was won by Niccolò Maccagnani , also representing Mumbai Falcons, while Andy Consani (R-ace GP) claimed victory in Race 3 and currently sits second in the drivers’ classification. The next round of the series is scheduled for 23 January, once again at the Abu Dhabi circuit.
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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-seaterThe 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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The new Tatuus T-326 set for its competitive debut at Yas Marina
The FR Middle East Trophy 2026 will mark the first official race appearance of the new Tatuus Formula Regional carAfter its official launch last summer and an extensive testing programme across Europe, the new Tatuus T-326 is now ready to take its first competitive steps. The car will make its racing debut at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi , during the opening round of the Formula Regional Middle East Trophy 2026, one of the most prestigious winter series in single-seater racing.
The Middle East Trophy traditionally opens the Formula Regional season and has become a key reference point for teams, drivers and manufacturers alike. Competing on world-class circuits in the Middle East, the championship has hosted some of the most exciting young talents of recent years, including Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Isack Hadjar, Guanyu Zhou, Oliver Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto and Arvid Lindblad.
The 2026 calendar
The on-track action began with official pre-season collective tests, which started on Tuesday 13 January at Yas Marina, just days before the first race weekend scheduled from 16 to 18 January. The Formula Regional Middle East Trophy 2026 will feature four rounds across the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, taking place at some of the most iconic venues in modern motorsport.
Round 1 - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi (UAE), 16-18 January
Round 2 - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi (UAE), 23-25 January
Round 3 - Dubai Autodrome, Dubai (UAE) 29 January - 1 February
Round 4 - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail (Qatar), 11-13 February
Teams and drivers
A total of eleven leading international teams will compete throughout the season, confirming the high level and global appeal of the championship. Among them are ART Grand Prix, CL Motorsport, G4 Racing, MP Motorsport, Mumbai Falcons Racing, Pinnacle Motorsport, R-ace GP, Rodin Motorsport, RPM and Trident.
Here’s the full entry list for the opening round at Yas Marina:
ART Grand Prix 19 - Kabir Anurag 27 - Matteo Giaccardi 89 - Taito Kato
CL Motorsport 6 - Enea Frey 28 - Chi Zhenrui 57 - Michael Belov
G4 Racing 14 - Artem Severiukhin 24 - Jules Roussel 67 - Andrea Dupé
MP Motorsport 15 - Alexander Abkhazava 16 - Christian Ho 17 - Alceu Feldmann Neto
Mumbai Falcons Racing 51 - Kean Nakamura-Berta 88 - Salim Hanna 98 - Sebastian Wheldon
Pinnacle Motorsport 29 - August Raber 41 - Alex Powell
R-ace GP 12 - Yuki Sano 71 - Rashid Al Daheri 73 - Xie Wing Lam Gerrard
Rodin Motorsport 2 - Alex Ninovic 4 - Reza Seewooruthun 18 - Maxim Rehm
RPM 5 - Miguel Costa 8 - Jan Przyrowski 99 - Giovanni Maschio
Trident 3 - Maximilian Popov 47 - Andrija Kostic 87 - Kai Daryanani
Van Amersfoort Racing 11 - Francisco Macedo 55 - Dion Gowda 68 - Yuhao Fu
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Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy 2026: Season Kickoff at Hampton Downs
The 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy season kicked off at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park with the first of four rounds on the calendarPreviously known as the Toyota Racing Series and later the Formula Regional Oceania Championship, the series enters the new FIA FR Trophy era with a revised structure, featuring a total of fifteen races across four events .
The season opener confirmed the high technical and sporting level of the championship, boasting a competitive grid that delivered thrilling races and numerous overtakes, boosted by the new push-to-pass feature introduced in 2026 .
Ugo Ugochukwu emerged as the benchmark of the opening round, showcasing consistent top-level performances that put him in the lead of the championship standings. Close behind, Jin Nakamura immediately proved he would be a contender for the front positions.
Among the most anticipated names was Kalle Rovanperä , the 25-year-old Finnish double World Rally Champion, making his single-seater debut and attracting attention from fans and the media alike.
The second round of the 2026 Formula Regional Oceania Trophy is scheduled for January 17 at Taupo International Motorsport Park , where the battle among the championship contenders will continue. Over four consecutive weekends, the series promises to deliver thrilling racing and excitement for motorsport fans in New Zealand and around the world.
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GALLERY: Kalle Rovanperä’s single-seater debut with Tatuus in Formula Regional Oceania
The two-time World Rally Champion made his single-seater debut in the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania 2026, driving the T-318 in its FT-60 configuration.The long-awaited moment for motorsport fans has finally arrived: two-time World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanperä has made his debut in single-seater racing at the wheel of the Tatuus T-318 FT-60, during the collective test sessions ahead of the opening round of the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania.
Throughout the first sessions, photographers’ lenses were firmly focused on the Finnish champion, producing a wealth of striking images from the very first laps — many of which are featured in this gallery.
Rovanperä will now take on the championship rounds, facing a highly competitive grid packed with top-level talents, many of whom are preparing to step up to the FIA Formula 3 Championship this season.
Photos: Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy - Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand