CL Motorsport has strengthened its line-up for the 2026 Formula Regional Middle East (FRME) Trophy by confirming Zhenrui “Newman” Chi and Michael Belov. The duo will join the team alongside Enea Frey, who the outfit announced previously, as CL Motorsport targets a competitive campaign in the winter series.
Newman Chi steps up after strong Formula 4 progression
Zhenrui “Newman” Chi will make the step up to Formula Regional with CL Motorsport after an impressive development curve in Formula 4. The Chinese teenager arrives following a busy and productive 2025 season that underlined both speed and maturity.
Chi built a strong foundation in karting before transitioning to single-seaters, and he quickly adapted to Formula 4 competition. He impressed during the inaugural Formula Trophy UAE season and then committed to a full Middle East and European programme with Prema Racing. In the F4 Middle East Championship, he regularly fought inside the top ten and finished runner-up in the rookies’ standings.
Subsequently, Chi carried that form into Italian Formula 4, where he steadily improved as the season progressed. He secured his maiden single-seater victory at Monza and added further podium finishes at Mugello and Imola. As a result, he completed the year fifth overall in the championship, confirming his readiness for the next step.
Chi also gained early Formula Regional experience during 2025 by racing with CL Motorsport in selected rounds of the FREC. That collaboration now continues into the Middle East, where the winter series will provide valuable mileage, racecraft development and early adaptation to Formula Regional machinery.
Michael Belov brings experience and proven FR pedigree
Michael Belov returns to the FRME paddock as one of the most experienced drivers on the 2026 grid. The Russian racer previously competed in Asian Formula 3, the forerunner to FRME, as early as 2022 and has since built an extensive résumé across Formula Regional Europe.
Belov has competed at the front of the category for several seasons, securing multiple victories and podiums in Formula Regional European competition. Despite interruptions caused by financial and geopolitical challenges, he has consistently demonstrated pace, technical understanding and resilience. Notably, his podium return in 2024 marked a significant turning point in his career.
Now aligned once again with CL Motorsport, Belov adds leadership and race-winning experience to the team’s Middle East programme. His familiarity with high-level Formula Regional racing will play a key role as the series introduces a new generation of cars.
Balanced line-up with Frey, Chi and Belov
Together with Enea Frey, CL Motorsport fields a balanced trio that blends youth, progression and experience. Chi will focus on learning and consistency, Belov will provide reference pace and leadership, and Frey completes a line-up designed for both competitiveness and development across the 2026 Formula Regional Middle East Trophy.
