Qualifying heats on the day of the 2026 IAME Winter Cup at Kartodromo Lucas Guerrero in Valencia saw changing weather play a major role in the day’s action. Winds reaching 90kph, combined with sudden rain showers, created challenging track conditions for all 213 drivers.

After a long winter break, action resumed, and the first qualifying session for the series in 2026 was held at the Kartodromo Internacional Lucas Guerrero in the Valencia region, the annual host of the IAME Winter Cup. After all free practice sessions, the track reached its fastest lap times in timed qualifying, as 213 drivers across Mini, Junior and Senior X30 fought to secure their starting positions.

The winners of the first round at the International Circuit La Conca are El Gahoudi (MINI Gr.3), Burgess (MINI U10), Perico (OK-NJ), Pizzonia (OKJ), Krutogolov (OK) and Orlov (KZ2).

In the United Arab Emirates, numerous drivers took part in the fifth and penultimate round of the Champions of the Future Academy Program, confirming the success of the series and its "arrive and drive" concept. The objective of complete sporting fairness was once again achieved, allowing drivers to make their mark in a high-level competition, organised with rigour and professionalism by RGMMC.

The Champions of the Future Academy Program UAE Series made its debut at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi, opening a new chapter for RGMMC’s global arrive-and-drive platform.