Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak will contest the final round of the 2026 Formula Regional Middle East (FRME) Trophy with ART Grand Prix, replacing Taito Kato for the season finale at Lusail. The one-off appearance comes as the Thai driver prepares to step up to FIA Formula 2 full-time with ART in 2026.
At 20 years old, Inthraphuvasak brings significant experience to the grid, having spent the past two seasons competing at Formula 3 level and establishing himself as one of Asia’s most successful junior drivers.
Strong F3 form underlines late-season call-up
Inthraphuvasak arrives in the Middle East off the back of an impressive 2025 Formula 3 campaign, where he finished seventh in the championship standings and claimed three race victories. That run of form made him the first Thai driver to win a race in FIA Formula 3, underlining his growing stature within the junior ladder.
ART’s decision to place him in its Formula Regional car offers a final competitive outing before the Formula 2 season begins, while also allowing the team to continue building its working relationship with the driver.
A familiar championship environment
Although this marks Inthraphuvasak’s first appearance in the Trophy-era series, he already knows the Middle Eastern winter scene well. He previously competed in the Formula Regional Middle East Championship with Pinnacle VAR in 2023 and returned in 2024 with PHM AIX Racing, finishing ninth overall.
That experience should ease his adaptation to the Tatuus T-326, which makes its global race debut this season. With limited track time available across a single round, familiarity with the circuits and championship format could prove decisive.
From karting success to international single-seaters
Born in Bangkok on 14 November 2005, Inthraphuvasak progressed through karting across Asia, Europe, and the United States before stepping into single-seaters in 2021. He claimed race wins in British F4 and Spanish F4, while also delivering consistent results in French and Middle East-based Formula 4 championships.
He later impressed in Formula Regional competition outside the FIA ladder, winning multiple races in the Ultimate Cup single-seater category before committing to full-time international programmes.
Inthraphuvasak’s racing pedigree extends beyond the cockpit. His father, Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak, competes in GT racing and plays a leading role within Thailand’s motorsport industry. Meanwhile, Tasanapol cites Alexander Albon as his racing inspiration, following a similar path from Southeast Asia to the highest levels of European single-seater racing.
Inthraphuvasak to keep one eye on Formula 2 amidst 2026 FRME cameo
The Lusail appearance serves as a final competitive tune-up before Inthraphuvasak begins his rookie Formula 2 campaign with ART Grand Prix in 2026. By racing in Formula Regional machinery once more, he gains additional mileage in high-downforce cars while maintaining race sharpness during the winter break.
As a result, his inclusion adds further depth to the FRME Trophy finale and reinforces the championship’s role as a proving ground for drivers on the cusp of Formula 1’s main feeder series.
