The 2026 FIA Formula Regional European Championship (FREC) brought its pre-season programme to a close with two productive test days at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg over the Easter weekend. Following earlier running at the Hockenheimring and Circuit Paul Ricard, teams completed the final phase of preparation ahead of the season opener later this month.
Importantly, all 10 teams participated across the six days of collective testing, with the full grid running the new Tatuus T-326. As a result, teams gathered extensive data in varying conditions, laying the groundwork for the 2026 campaign.
In total, the 30 drivers completed 7,992 laps, covering more than 38,660 kilometres, underlining the intensity and value of the pre-season programme.
Sæter leads the way in Spielberg
Across the two days in Austria, Marcus Sæter emerged as the standout performer. The G4 Racing driver set the fastest overall time of 1:25.385 during the second day’s morning session, placing him firmly at the top of the timesheets.
Moreover, he demonstrated consistent pace throughout the test, having already topped the afternoon session on day one. Earlier in that same day, his team-mate Saqer Almosherji led the morning session, ensuring a strong showing for G4 Racing.
However, the final session of the test saw Sebastian Wheldon rise to the top for MP Motorsport, highlighting the competitive spread across the field.
Notably, the margins remained incredibly tight, with the top 28 drivers covered by less than one second during the key second-day morning session.
Mixed order across Day 1 running
On the opening day, only drivers without a full winter campaign took part, creating an opportunity for several competitors to maximise track time.
In the morning session, Saqer Almosherji set the pace ahead of Marcus Sæter and Alexandre Munoz, while Gabriel Gomez and Tomass Štolcermanis completed the top five.
Later in the afternoon, Sæter moved to the top of the order, finishing ahead of Almosherji and Emanuele Olivieri, with Gomez and Munoz once again featuring prominently.
2026 FREC: Testing Day 1: Spielberg
Only drivers who didn’t compete in a full winter campaign this year are participating today.
Morning
- Saqer Almosherji
- Marcus Sæter
- Alexandre Munoz
- Gabriel Gomez
- Tomass Štolcermanis
- Rahim Alibhai
- Emanuele Olivieri
Afternoon
- Marcus Sæter
- Saqer Almosherji
- Emanuele Olivieri
- Gabriel Gomez
- Alexandre Munoz
- Tomass Štolcermanis
- Rahim Alibhai
Wider field joins for Day 2
On the second day, the full grid returned to action, offering a clearer indication of the competitive order ahead of the season.
During the morning session, Sæter once again led the way, finishing ahead of Reza Seewooruthun and Kean Nakamura-Berta. Munoz and Maximilian Popov completed the top five, while several teams featured within a tightly packed top ten.
In the afternoon, however, Sebastian Wheldon set the pace, followed by Reno Francot and Rashid Al Dhaheri. Meanwhile, Yuki Sano and Olivieri ensured a diverse mix of teams near the front.
2026 FREC: Testing Day 2: Spielberg
Morning (Top 10)
- Marcus Sæter
- Reza Seewooruthun
- Kean Nakamura-Berta
- Alexandre Munoz
- Maximilian Popov
- Francisco macedo
- Alexander Abkhazava
- Salim Hanna
- Emanuele Olivieri
- Zhenrui Chi
Afternoon (Top 10)
- Sebastian Wheldon
- Reno Francot
- Rashid Al Dhaheri
- Yuki Sano
- Emanuele Olivieri
- Tomass Štolcermanis
- Alexandre Munoz
- Francisco Macedo
- Alexander Abkhazava
- Zhenrui Chi
Highly competitive field heading into season opener
Overall, the Spielberg test confirmed the remarkable competitiveness of the 2026 grid. With minimal gaps separating the majority of drivers, several teams demonstrated the potential to challenge at the front.
Furthermore, the introduction of the new Tatuus chassis has added another layer of unpredictability, as teams continue to refine their understanding of the car.
Focus shifts to opening round
Following the conclusion of testing, attention now turns to the opening round of the season, scheduled for 24–26 April at the Red Bull Ring.
Consequently, teams will use the short break to analyse data and finalise preparations. With momentum building and competition intensifying, the stage is set for a highly contested start to the 2026 FIA Formula Regional European Championship.
