The 2026 FIA Formula Regional European Championship (FREC) officially got underway with two days of pre-season testing at Hockenheimring, as teams and drivers prepared for the upcoming campaign. All 10 registered teams were in attendance, marking the first collective outing ahead of the season opener at Spielberg in April.
Significantly, the test marked the debut of the second-generation Tatuus T-326 single-seater. All 30 drivers took to the circuit across the two days, completing an impressive 2,515 laps—covering more than 11,500 kilometres.
Despite mixed weather conditions, including rain on Wednesday morning and intermittent showers later in the day, teams gathered valuable data on the new machinery.
Sæter sets the early benchmark
In dry conditions on Tuesday, Marcus Sæter emerged as the driver to beat. The G4 Racing driver posted a 1:34.370 in the afternoon session, securing the fastest time of the test.
He narrowly edged Alexandre Munoz, while Prema Racing’s Tomass Štolcermanis completed the top three. Earlier in the day, Saqer Almosherji had led the morning session, also representing G4 Racing, underlining the team’s strong start.
2026 FREC: Testing Day 1: Hockenheim
Only drivers who did not compete in the 2026 Formula Regional Middle East Trophy participated on Day 1
Morning
- Saquer Almosherji
- Marcus Sæter
- Gabriel Gomez
- Alexandre Munoz
Afternoon
- Marcus Sæter
- Alexandre Munoz
- Tomass Štolcermanis
- Sequer Almosherji
- Gabriel Gomez
Changing conditions on Day 2
However, conditions shifted on Wednesday, with damp and unpredictable weather influencing the running. In the morning session, Rashid Al Dhaheri topped the timesheets with a 1:34.589, closely followed by Miguel Costa and Emanuele Olivieri.
Later in the afternoon, Reno Francot set the fastest time of the day with a 1:34.500 for CL Motorsport. Jan Przyrowski and Dion Gowda followed closely behind, demonstrating the tight competition across the field.
2026 FREC: Test Day 2: Hockenheim
Morning: Top 10
- Rashid Al Dhaheri
- Miguel Costa
- Emanuele Olivieri
- Jan Przyrowski
- Saquer Almosherji
- Marcus Sæter
- Kean Nakamura-Berta
- Dion Gowda
- Yuki Sano
- Reno Francot
2026 FREC: Test Day 2: Hockenheim
Afternoon: Top 10
- Reno Francot
- Jan Przyrowski
- Dion Gowda
- Miguel Costa
- Rashid Al Dhaheri
- Andrea Dupé
- Emanuele Olivieri
- Sebastian Wheldon
- Alex Ninovic
- Giovanni Maschio
Strong participation across the grid
Notably, the test featured a full grid of 30 drivers, providing a comprehensive early look at the competitive landscape. The sessions also allowed teams to evaluate performance differences between drivers who had and had not competed in the Formula Regional Middle East Trophy.
As a result, the early pace suggests a highly competitive season ahead, with multiple teams showing strong potential.
Testing programme continues
Looking ahead, teams will return to action at Circuit Paul Ricard on 30–31 March for another two days of testing. This will be followed by the final pre-season outing at Spielberg on 4–5 April, just weeks before the season-opening race at the same venue.
