After a week of sunshine in Zuera, forecasts suggested a wet finale for the opening round of the 2026 IAME Euro Series. The rain, however, only appeared before the morning warm-up, but the decisive day remained mostly dry under cloudy skies. As the programme moved into the Superheats and Finals, strong winds began sweeping across the circuit, catching several drivers out and adding another challenge to an already tense final day of racing.
Sami prevails in last-lap mini duel with Forkes
The Mini category launched the morning action with a single Superheat, where Chester Forkes emerged. By the time the Final arrived later in the day, the stage was set for a dramatic showdown. Forkes controlled the early stages of the race, but Ilyas Sami remained firmly in contention, waiting patiently for his opportunity. With just two laps remaining, he launched his decisive move, sparking an intense back-and-forth fight between the two drivers. The duel continued all the way to the finish line, where Sami edged ahead by only 0.063 seconds. Leo Devahive Garcia completed the podium ahead of Mayson Hibbert and Alfie Davidson.
Gonzalez holds off Khera in Junior thriller
Ivan Gonzalez entered the Junior Final as one of the clear contenders after the Superheats. In the meantime, drama struck even before the start when Priam Bruno was left stranded on the grid and forced to begin the race from the repair area. Once the race settled, Gonzalez established himself at the front, yet Sukhmani Khera never allowed him to escape. Lap after lap, she remained within striking distance, repeatedly looking for an opportunity to attack. The pair reached the finish line locked in a thrilling duel, with Gonzalez ultimately securing the win by just a fraction. Nuvola Morales Mendez claimed third place, while Aaron Richardson and Max Endacott completed the top five.
Carenini wins fierce Senior showdown
The Senior Final provided a spectacular conclusion to the weekend. After the Superheats had determined the starting order, a tightly packed group quickly formed at the front, with Danny Carenini, Rubén Moya and Dan Allemann leading a fierce battle that kept the outcome uncertain for much of the race. Carenini eventually managed to take control of the lead midway through the race, but the pressure behind never relented. Moya and Allemann remained close enough to challenge, ensuring the fight for victory stayed alive until the closing laps. At the chequered flag, Carenini secured the win ahead of Moya and Allemann, with Mateo Rivals and Aaron Garcia rounding out the top five.
Title standings after round 1
With the opening round complete, the first title standings of the 2026 IAME Euro Series begin to take shape. In X30 Mini, Chester Forkes leads the table with 94 points ahead of race winner Ilyas Sami on 91, while Alfie Davidson sits third, followed by Bodhi Batch and Leo Devahive Garcia. In X30 Junior, Ivan Gonzalez leaves Zuera with the maximum 100 points, ahead of Sukhmani Khera and Max Endacott, with Nuvola Morales Mendez and George Clarke completing the top five. In X30 Senior, Dan Allemann leads the standings with 85 points after a consistently strong weekend, ahead of Rubén Moya and race winner Danny Carenini, while Aaron Garcia and Mateo Rivals round out the top five after Round 1.
X30 Mini — Title standings
1. FORKES Chester — 94
2. SAMI Ilyas — 91
3. DAVIDSON Alfie — 58
4. BATCH Bodhi — 46
5. DEVAHIVE GARCIA Leo — 45
X30 Junior — Title standings
1. GONZALEZ Ivan — 100
2. KHERA Sukhmani — 80
3. ENDACOTT Max — 74
4. MORALES MENDEZ Nuvola — 70
5. CLARKE George — 54
X30 Senior — Title standings
1. ALLEMANN Dan — 85
2. MOYA Rubén — 76
3. CARENINI Danny — 74
4. GARCIA Aaron — 58
5. RIVALS Mateo — 56
Looking ahead to Franciacorta
With Round 1 now complete, the 2026 IAME Euro Series season is officially underway. The focus now shifts to Round 2 in Franciacorta, and entries are already open as another exciting chapter of the championship awaits.