Rashid Al Dhaheri makes history with Formula Regional victory

January 20, 2026 / 12:11 PM

Sharjah24-WAM: Emirati racing driver Rashid Al Dhaheri achieved a historic milestone by winning the opening round of the Formula Regional Middle East Championship at Yas Marina Circuit. The win makes Al Dhaheri the first driver from the Middle East and North Africa region to win a Formula Regional race.

The opening round of the Trophy series featured 32 drivers representing 11 teams, sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. The weekend also marked the competitive debut of the new Tatuus T-326 Formula Regional car, featuring advanced aerodynamics, enhanced handling, Pirelli tyres and a Toyota-powered 1.6-litre engine.

Strong qualifying and consistent race pace

Al Dhaheri adapted quickly to the new machinery, finishing second fastest in Friday practice. He qualified second in the first session, just 0.001 seconds off the top spot, before claiming his first pole position of the 2026 season in the second session.

He finished second in Saturday’s opening race and fifth in Sunday’s reverse-grid Race 2, starting from 11th and collecting valuable championship points.

Historic pole and victory

The highlight came in Race 3, when Al Dhaheri started from pole position — the first ever for a MENA driver in Formula Regional — and went on to secure a landmark victory with his French team, R-ace GP.

Reflecting on the achievement, Al Dhaheri said the victory at Yas Marina Circuit, in front of his family and home fans, was deeply meaningful and a reward for months of preparation.

Championship continues

Round 2 of the 2026 Formula Regional Middle East Trophy returns to Yas Marina Circuit from 23 to 25 January, before moving to Dubai Autodrome and concluding at Lusail International Circuit in Qatar.