In an unprecedented achievement, Rashid Al Dhaheri won the opening round of the tournament"Regional Formula Championship"
Abu Dhabi, January 19 / WAM / Emirati driver Rashid Al Dhaheri achieved a historic victory in the first round of the Middle East Regional Formula Championship, which was held at the Yas Marina Circuit during the period from January 16 to 18, becoming the first driver from the Middle East and North Africa region to achieve a victory in the regional Formula competitions.
The opening round, approved by the International Automobile Federation (FIA), witnessed the participation of 32 drivers representing 11 teams, and was marked by the competitive debut of the new Tatuus T-326, equipped with a 1.6-liter Toyota engine and Pirelli tires, with a new chassis, advanced aerodynamics and improved handling.
During the free trials that preceded the races, Al Dhaheri quickly adapted to the new car, and achieved the second fastest time in the evening tests on Friday.
In the first qualifying trials on Saturday, he finished the race in second place, 0.001 seconds behind the leader, before achieving his first starting position in the 2026 season during the second qualifying trials.
In the first race on Saturday afternoon, Al Dhaheri maintained a high competitive pace and finished the race in second place.
As for the second race yesterday, which was held with a reverse start system for the first 12 drivers from the first qualifying trials, he started from eleventh place and finished the race fifth, achieving important points in the championship standings.
The climax of the round came in the third race, where Al Dhaheri started from first place, and was able to cross the finish line in first place despite the stops inside the circuit, to celebrate the victory with his French team (R-ace GP), his family members and fans.
Al Dhaheri said after the race that his victory at Yas Circuit, where his career began, and among his fans and family, means everything to him, stressing that hard work and preparation during the winter period were behind this achievement.
The championship itself is scheduled to return to Yas Marina Circuit for its second round during the period from January 23 to 25, 2026, and then moves to the Dubai Autodrome from January 30 to February 1, 2026, before concluding the season’s competitions at Losail International Circuit in the State of Qatar during the period from February 11 to 13, 2026.
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