MP Motorsport has confirmed the signing of Zhenrui Chi—known as Newman—for the 2026 FIA Formula Regional European Championship (FREC) season. At just 16 years old, the Wenzhou-born driver becomes the second confirmed name in MP’s planned three-car entry. Furthermore, he will join Alexander Abkhazava as part of a youthful and ambitious line-up.
Progress across multiple championships paves way for Chi to join MP Motorsport for 2026 FREC campaign
Chi’s progression has been swift. He transitioned from karting to car racing in late 2024, competing in the UAE Formula Trophy for Formula 4 machinery. Immediately, he made an impact by claiming two podiums and a pole position, ultimately finishing fifth in the standings.
Chi already gained valuable experience in FRECA during the 2025 season. He contested rounds at the Red Bull Ring and Hockenheimring, where he demonstrated promising pace. In addition, he competed in the prestigious Macau Grand Prix, further strengthening his credentials at an international level. Alongside his FRECA outings, Chi impressed in the GB3 Championship. Notably, he secured a top-ten qualifying result and a points finish at Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
At the same time, he completed a dual campaign in Italian Formula 4 and Euro 4. As a result, he finished fifth in the Italian F4 standings, underlining a highly competitive rookie season in single-seaters.
Moreover, he continued his development in the Formula Regional Middle East Trophy, where he became a consistent points scorer. Consequently, this form paved the way for his full-time step up to FRECA with MP Motorsport.
Chi targets strong 2026 FREC rookie campaign with MP Motorsport
Chi expressed enthusiasm about joining the Dutch outfit and stepping into a full FRECA campaign:
“I’m extremely delighted to become part of the MP fold in 2026”, said Chi. “They showed excellent form with the new FR car in the Formula Regional Middle East Trophy, which is boding well for their chances in the main European championship. Our opposition will be strong, but that’s how it should be. I will be working to further integrate into the team over the next weeks before racing gets underway at Paul Ricard at the end of next month. I can’t wait to get going!”
Team principal Sander Dorsman highlighted Chi’s rapid development and potential:
“It’s great news that Newman will join the MP family in our FIA FREC line-up for this season”, said Sander Dorsman, MP Motorsport’s team principal. “We’ve closely followed his progress last season, and have been amazed by the steps he has been able to make at his young age. We are convinced that he will continue to move forward in FIA FREC. With Alex and Newman, we have two talented youngsters in the team, so I’m looking forward to a great season with the both of them.”
MP Motorsport building a competitive FREC campaign
With Chi and Abkhazava confirmed, MP Motorsport continues to build a line-up centred on emerging talent. Therefore, the team signals a clear focus on driver development alongside competitive results.
Overall, Newman Chi’s arrival adds further intrigue to the upcoming FREC season. With a proven ability to adapt quickly and deliver results, he enters the championship as one of the most promising rookies on the grid.
