Emanuele Olivieri will step up to the Formula Regional European Championship (FREC) in 2026, continuing his progression with R-ace GP. The 17-year-old Italian, born in Canelli, makes the move after an impressive rise through the junior ranks, with the team placing strong faith in his long-term potential.
Strong foundations in Formula 4 and valuable early experience pave way for Olivieri to step up to FREC for 2026 campaign with R-ace GP
Before transitioning to cars, Olivieri built an impressive karting résumé. He claimed major victories such as the Andrea Margutti Trophy and consistently fronted top-level WSK competitions. Importantly, his performances earned him invitations to elite development programmes, including the Ferrari Driver Academy scouting camp, highlighting his potential from an early stage.
Now, Olivieri heads into his debut Formula Regional European campaign on the back of a successful 2025 season. Most notably, he secured the F4 Middle East Championship title, underlining his ability to deliver consistent results at a high level.
In addition, he competed in the Italian F4 Championship, where he finished seventh overall. Throughout the season, he demonstrated steady improvement, including multiple podium finishes against a highly competitive field.
Furthermore, to prepare for the next step, Olivieri contested two rounds of the Formula Regional Middle East Trophy during the winter. Encouragingly, he secured a podium finish, gaining valuable experience in more powerful machinery and adapting to the demands of the category.
This early exposure provides a solid foundation as he transitions into a full European campaign.
Clear path of progression
By remaining with R-ace GP, Olivieri ensures continuity as he climbs the single-seater ladder. The team’s proven track record in developing young drivers provides an ideal environment for his growth.
Therefore, while 2026 will present new challenges, particularly against more experienced competitors, Olivieri enters the season with momentum, confidence and a clear trajectory. As the campaign unfolds, his ability to adapt quickly could establish him as one of the standout rookies in the Formula Regional European Championship.
