ABU DHABI: Emirati driver Rashid Al Dhaheri achieved an impressive second-place finish in the opening race of the Formula Regional Middle East Championship at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Formula Regional, a step up from Formula 4 (F4), saw 28 top young drivers from around the globe compete on Abu Dhabi’s iconic F1 track. This championship serves as a platform for emerging talent, offering a path to higher levels in motorsport.
The 2025 Formula Regional Middle East Championship consists of five rounds. Three will be hosted at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi, one at the Dubai Autodrome, and the final at Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit.
Al Dhaheri competes under the banner of PREMA Racing, a team renowned for developing racing talent. This partnership also marks his preparation for the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA), set to begin in April.
After the race, Al Dhaheri expressed his determination and optimism, saying, “Formula Regional is a new challenge for me, and I know I am up against some of the best up-and-coming drivers from around the world. I will have to fight for every point, but I have a great team and great support, so I know we can achieve a lot this year.”
As one of the UAE’s rising motorsport stars, Al Dhaheri’s performance underscores his readiness to compete at higher levels. His strong debut signals a promising season ahead, not just in the Middle East Championship but also in FRECA later this year.
The championship continues to attract global talent, highlighting the region’s growing significance in the motorsport world. Fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming rounds as drivers battle for supremacy across three countries.