FRME | 2026 | Round 4 | Lusail

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Kean Nakamura-Berta seized control of the 2026 Formula Regional Middle East (FRME) Trophy title fight with a commanding victory in Race 1 at Lusail. After dominating qualifying, the Mumbai Falcons driver converted pole into a measured win, while championship leader Rashid Al Dhaheri limited the damage in sixth. A Safety Car interruption, bold overtakes and a tightening points gap ensured the pendulum swung firmly ahead of the decisive finale.

Qualifying sets the tone with Nakamura-Berta on pole

From the outset, Kean Nakamura-Berta laid down a marker. He produced scorching laps in both qualifying sessions to secure pole position for the weekend’s two races. In contrast, points leader Rashid Al Dhaheri could manage only fourth on the grid for Race 1 and eighth for the finale. As a result, the momentum shifted decisively before the race even began.

Fast start to Race 1 at Lusail sees early 2026 FRME finale drama

When the lights went out, Nakamura-Berta defended robustly into Turn 1. Although Alex Powell started alongside him, Powell slipped to fourth within the opening corners. Meanwhile, Sebastian Wheldon and the fast-starting Jan Przyrowski slotted in behind the leader, with Przyrowski surging up from fifth on the grid.

Further back, Al Dhaheri’s challenge immediately intensified. He dropped to seventh in the early exchanges, falling behind Kabir Anurag and Emanuele Olivieri.

However, the race soon took another turn. At Turn 6, Maxim Rehm made contact with Dion Gowda during a hectic midfield battle. Rehm launched airborne before landing in the gravel, prompting the deployment of the Safety Car. Officials later handed Rehm a grid penalty for Race 2.

Composed control after the restart

Once racing resumed, Nakamura-Berta immediately reasserted his authority. He edged clear of Wheldon by a second within two laps and then controlled the margin with confidence. In the closing stages, he extended his advantage to 1.827 seconds, sealing a polished victory and a one-two result for Mumbai Falcons.

Behind him, Wheldon consolidated second place. Meanwhile, Przyrowski initially attempted to cling to Wheldon before shifting his focus to defence. He successfully kept Powell at bay to secure an impressive third place.

Damage limitation in the title battle

Al Dhaheri responded decisively at the restart. He swept around the outside of Olivieri at Turn 1 to reclaim sixth and then pressured Anurag’s ART Grand Prix machine. Nevertheless, Anurag absorbed the pressure and secured fifth, keeping the championship leader behind.

Consequently, Al Dhaheri finished sixth, which reduced his points advantage over Nakamura-Berta to just seven heading into the final race. Notably, he still emerged as the highest-placed non-Rookie, while Nakamura-Berta’s overall victory confirmed the Rookie crown.

Meanwhile, Olivieri finished seventh ahead of R-ace GP team-mate Yuki Sano. Thereafter, Maximilian Popov claimed ninth for Trident, while fellow Mumbai Falcons driver Salim Hanna rounded out the top ten.

With the field largely settled after the restart and only Rehm failing to finish, attention now turns squarely to the finale. As the season reaches its climax, Nakamura-Berta carries clear momentum into the final race at Lusail. Nevertheless, with only seven points separating the top two, the championship remains finely poised.

Therefore, the concluding contest promises a dramatic and decisive end to the 2026 FRME Trophy campaign.