SPIELBERG, Austria— Emirati racing driver Rashid Al Dhaheri secured a landmark victory in Race 2 of the opening round of the FIA Formula Regional European Championship at the Red Bull Ring, becoming the first Emirati to win at this level of international single-seater racing.
The championship season opened from April 24 to 26 in Spielberg, alongside the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, drawing more than 100,000 spectators.
A regular venue on the Formula One World Championship calendar, the Red Bull Ring is a 4.326-kilometre clockwise circuit with 10 corners, known for its long straights and heavy braking zones that encourage overtaking.
Competing in a 30-driver field representing more than 20 nationalities, Al Dhaheri — part of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team junior programme — demonstrated strong racecraft in the latest Tatuus Formula Regional car, which features a carbon-fibre chassis and a 270-horsepower engine.
This season also introduces a “Push-to-Pass” system, offering drivers a temporary 20-horsepower boost for up to 100 seconds per race, adding a strategic layer to overtaking.
Racing for French team R-ace GP in Yas Heat Racing colours, Al Dhaheri began strongly by topping his qualifying group. He started Race 1 from second position and led for several laps before finishing second, securing an early podium.
Race 2, however, proved decisive.
Starting 11th under the reverse-grid format, Al Dhaheri delivered a composed and calculated drive through the field. Carefully managing tyre wear and energy deployment, he saved his Push-to-Pass advantage for the closing stages, executing a series of decisive overtakes to take the lead.
He crossed the line in first place, sealing a historic win and marking a milestone for UAE motorsport.
Stéphane Guérin praised the performance, calling it “an amazing drive with a lot of overtaking — very impressive.”
Al Dhaheri said the result followed a strong team review after Race 1. “We knew that if everything came together, we could fight for the win — and we did. It’s a great effort from the whole team,” he said.
The result underlines his growing reputation in international motorsport, highlighting improvements in race management, tactical awareness and consistency.
The championship continues at Circuit Zandvoort from May 21 to 24.
