MP Motorsport will field a strong three-car team in the 2026 Formula Regional Middle East (FRME) Trophy, therefore underlining its intent to fight at the front of the rebranded winter series. Alexander Abkhazava and Alceu Feldmann will contest all rounds, while Christian Ho will join the Dutch squad for the opening two events. The campaign begins this weekend at Yas Marina, before the championship moves on to Dubai and Lusail.
The Trophy will also mark the competitive debut of the new Pirelli-shod Tatuus F3 T-326, powered by a 1.6-litre, three-cylinder Toyota engine. Notably, the same package will serve as the platform for the new-for-2026 FIA Formula Regional European Championship. As a result, teams and drivers will combine competition with vital learning.
Alexander Abkhazava: Continuity and early momentum
Alexander Abkhazava leads MP Motorsport’s line-up as the 19-year-old Kazakh continues with the team following a promising Eurocup-3 campaign. He scored two podiums during the season, which in turn encouraged continuity into the Middle East winter series.
Abkhazava views the Trophy as both preparation and opportunity. He said: “It’s great to remain part of the MP family going to the Middle East for the FR Trophy. It’s always helpful to get some more miles under my belt ahead of the regular season, and it will also allow the team to get a head start on the new FR chassis and engine.”
Consequently, Abkhazava will focus on mileage, data gathering and early adaptation to the new machinery, while still targeting strong results.
Alceu Feldmann: New alliance, European focus
Alceu Feldmann joins MP Motorsport for the full Trophy after competing in Eurocup-3 in 2025. The 17-year-old Brazilian, who comes from a well-known racing family, steps into one of the category’s benchmark teams as he builds momentum towards his European campaign.
Feldmann welcomed the move and the competitive environment. He said: “The MP drivers were my strongest rivals in Eurocup-3 last year, so it feels good to be joining one of the top teams at this level in single-seater racing. This winter series will fully contribute to my preparation for the European season, so I’m ready to get going!”
Therefore, Feldmann will use the Middle East rounds to sharpen his racecraft against a deep field.
Christian Ho: Returning roots ahead of FIA F3
Christian Ho completes the MP Motorsport line-up at Yas Marina, as the 2024 Eurocup-3 champion returns to the team for which he raced in Spanish Formula 4 in 2022. For his winter programme, Ho temporarily steps down from FIA Formula 3 to gain valuable mileage and familiarity with the new Formula Regional car.
Ho emphasised continuity and preparation. He said: “It’s fun to return to the team with which I kicked off my single-seater career! MP’s preparation is always second to none, so I’m looking forward to lots of trouble-free mileage as I gear up towards my second full season in FIA F3.”
As a result, Ho will focus on efficient learning during his two-round cameo.
Sander Dorsman: Performance meets development in 2026
Team Principal Sander Dorsman highlighted both the competitive ambition and the technical challenge of the new era. He welcomed all three drivers for the opening weekend in Abu Dhabi.
Dorsman said: “I’m happy to welcome, Alex, Alceu and Christian to our FRME line-up for Yas Marina this weekend. It will be exciting times, as it will be just as much about learning the new car as it is about competition. With these three quick guys, we aim to run at the front while gathering as much knowledge and experience as we can.”
Accordingly, MP Motorsport will balance performance targets with development priorities as the 2026 Formula Regional Middle East Trophy gets underway.
