The FIA Formula Regional European Championship (FREC) heads to Spa-Francorchamps this weekend for the third round of the 2026 campaign, as the championship moves from the sand dunes of the Dutch North Sea coast to the Ardennes forest.
After two highly competitive opening rounds at the Red Bull Ring and Zandvoort, the series arrives in Belgium with momentum building quickly. Four different winners have already emerged, while the second-generation Formula Regional Tatuus T-326 single-seaters and the new Race Mode push-to-pass system continue to shape a new era for the championship.
Wheldon takes control after Zandvoort double
Sebastian Wheldon arrives at Spa-Francorchamps as the driver to beat after a breakthrough weekend at Zandvoort. The 17-year-old MP Motorsport driver claimed two victories in the Netherlands, moving to the top of the championship standings.
As a result, Wheldon now holds a 12-point advantage over Reno Francot heading into Round 3. His strong start has quickly established him as one of the leading contenders in a title fight that already looks wide open.
Francot, meanwhile, remains firmly in the hunt. The CL Motorsport driver secured the team’s first-ever championship victory during the opening round at the Red Bull Ring and continues to sit second in the standings. After leading the championship into his home event at Zandvoort, he will now look to respond at one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar.
Al Dhaheri remains in contention
Rashid Al Dhaheri has also made an impressive start to the season for R-ace GP. The Emirati driver claimed victory in the reverse-grid race at Spielberg and has maintained an unbroken run of top-five finishes across the opening two rounds.
Consequently, Al Dhaheri enters the Spa-Francorchamps weekend third in the standings, 22 points behind Wheldon. His consistency has kept him firmly within reach of the championship lead, and another strong weekend in Belgium could prove crucial before the season develops further.
Nakamura-Berta continues strong start
Kean Nakamura-Berta has continued to underline his credentials as one of the championship’s standout performers. The PREMA Racing driver claimed victory in Austria during the opening round and followed that up with another strong showing at Zandvoort.
Notably, Nakamura-Berta secured his third pole position of the season in the Netherlands and finished second in Race 2. His qualifying pace has already made him a major threat, and Spa’s long straights, heavy braking zones, and fast corners could offer another opportunity for him to challenge at the front.
Rookie battle remains close
The Rookie standings also remain finely balanced heading into the Belgian round. Emanuele Olivieri currently leads the classification for R-ace GP after claiming his maiden overall podium at Zandvoort with third place in Race 1.
However, Alexandre Munoz remains close behind for ART Grand Prix. The French driver has been a consistent presence among the front-runners throughout the first two rounds and will look to close the gap at Spa-Francorchamps.
With the championship’s newest talents already fighting inside the overall top 10, the rookie contest promises to remain one of the key storylines of the weekend.
Drivers aim to build momentum at Spa
Several drivers will also be looking to strengthen their campaigns in Belgium. Alex Ninovic impressed during the opening round at the Red Bull Ring but could manage no better than sixth place at Zandvoort. The Rodin Motorsport driver will therefore be targeting a stronger return to the front at Spa.
Meanwhile, MP Motorsport duo Zhenrui Chi and Alexander Abkhazava both made strong impressions in the Netherlands, alongside Tomass Stolcermanis of PREMA Racing and Dion Gowda of Van Amersfoort Racing. Each driver claimed top-10 finishes in both races at Zandvoort, showing the depth of competition across the field.
Elsewhere, Salim Hanna also stood out for PREMA Racing after securing a second-place finish, adding further strength to the Italian team’s start to the season.
Home round for Strauven
Thomas Strauven will have added motivation this weekend as the only Belgian driver on the grid. The CL Motorsport driver returns to home soil after making his debut with the team at Zandvoort.
Spa-Francorchamps is one of the most iconic and challenging circuits in European motorsport, and Strauven will be hoping to make the most of local support as the championship contests its first three-race weekend of the season.
Spa ready for crucial Round 3
A field of 30 drivers representing 10 teams is set to contest the Spa-Francorchamps round from 29-31 May. The Belgian venue is expected to provide another major test for the field, with its combination of high-speed corners, elevation changes, long straights, and unpredictable conditions.
After four different winners in the first two rounds, the championship remains difficult to predict. With Wheldon now leading, Francot chasing, Al Dhaheri staying consistent, and Nakamura-Berta continuing to show front-running pace, Round 3 could play a key role in shaping the early title picture.
Weekend schedule for the Spa-Francorchamps Round of the 2026 FREC
Track action begins on Thursday with two Collective Test sessions before the competitive programme starts on Friday.
Friday’s schedule features the sole 50-minute Free Practice session at 09:40 CEST. Later that day, Qualifying 1 begins at 14:45 CEST, with the field once again split into Groups A and B.
Race 1 is scheduled for Saturday at 10:05 CEST and will run over 30 minutes plus one lap. Race 2, featuring the fastest 12 drivers from Qualifying 1 in reverse order, will begin at 14:16 CEST.
On Sunday, Qualifying 2 starts at 09:55 CEST and will determine the grid for the final race of the weekend. Race 3 is set to get underway at 14:20 CEST.
Where to watch
Fans around the world can follow the FIA Formula Regional European Championship’s Spa-Francorchamps round through 78 broadcasters covering more than 200 territories.
ACI Sport TV will broadcast both qualifying sessions and all three races. In addition, every race will be available to watch live on the championship’s official YouTube channel, @fiaformularegionaleu.
