FIA Formula Regional European Championship officially gets underway with the opening pre-season test at Hockenheim, scheduled for today, Tuesday, 24 March, and for Wednesday.
The German venue marks the beginning of the FIA Formula Regional European Championship, with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile taking a central role in its governance and positioning within the international single-seater pathway, alongside the organisation and promotion of ACI (Automobile Club d’Italia).
The two-day test at Hockenheim will provide the first opportunity for teams and drivers to gather data and prepare for the upcoming season, ahead of further pre-season sessions at Paul Ricard (30–31 March) and Spielberg (4–5 April).
The Hockenheim test also provides the first opportunity for the 10 registered teams to try out the all-new FIA Formula Regional European Championship car, the Tatuus T-326, on track at the same time. The second-generation FIA FR machine represents a significant step forward in performance and safety for the category and follows the aerodynamic philosophy deployed in Formula 1 to encourage closer racing.
The 2026 season will feature eight events. Spielberg will host the opening round on the weekend of 24-26 April. The campaign will go on to visit a selection of Europe’s most historic and characterful circuits, including Zandvoort (22-24 May), Spa-Francorchamps (29-31 May), Monza (19-21 June), Hungaroring (3-5 July), Paul Ricard (17-19 July) and Imola (4-6 September), before returning to Hockenheim for the season finale on 11-13 September.
Among the 10 teams confirmed for the 2026 season, Prema Racing stands out after securing the 2025 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine Drivers’ title with Freddie Slater, while R-Ace GP arrives as the reigning Teams’ champion. The grid is completed by ART Grand Prix, CL Motorsport, G4 Racing, MP Motorsport, RPM Motorsport, Trident Motorsport, Van Amersfoort Racing and the newcomer Rodin Motorsport.
The Hockenheim test represents the first step in a new season that promises strong competition and continued development, as the FIA Formula Regional European Championship enters a new era under the FIA’s direct sporting framework.