Providing a step between the entry-level Formula 4 championships certified by FIA and the international-level FIA Formula 3, the FIA Formula Regional European Championship (FIA FREC) is a platform for young drivers to build experience and develop their skills in a highly competitive environment.

A 30-car entry featuring drivers representing 20 nations assembled for the first of eight events, which marked the debut of the Formula 1-inspired the second-generation Formula Regional Tatuus T-326. It was also the first time that the newly developed Race Mode push-to-pass system was utilised, which created multiple battle opportunities, while putting a focus on race management.

Three different drivers took outright and Rookie category victories, six different drivers climbed onto the podium, while nine different teams scored points to underline the wide-open nature of the championship.

Of the drivers signed up for the inaugural FIA FREC season, all 30 had previous experience from competing in Formula 4 championships certified by FIA to further highlight the opportunities of progression provided by the FIA Single-Seater Pyramid.

FIA Single-Seater Commission President Emanuele Pirro said: “We are at the dawn of a new championship, it’s just the first race weekend, but we can be really happy for what has been an important achievement for the FIA Single-Seater Championship. An FIA championship is on a higher level with more responsibility and more quality. Drivers have chosen FIA FREC as an important career step, a chance to grow with proven teams, refine and improve their ability. We have created a very exciting opportunity for them to do this, and while we can consider a full grid to be a success, it’s much more than this. A great championship is a combination of factors. Teams and drivers have to play their role, we have to do our job properly in terms of race management and organisation and technical control. I am not a person who likes to pat his back, I always look to new challenges and ways to improve. While we’ve set the expectations high with the first event, we concentrate on tomorrow, not on yesterday to ensure FIA FREC continues to deliver.”

R-ace GP driver Rashid Al-Dhaheri (UAE) said: “It’s the very beginning and a lot of things are coming into place but what we have with the car and the possibility of push-to-pass means the races are very exciting. The car is helpful for drivers to learn how to overtake and battle. The level is very high, and the teams really know it.”

CL Motorsport driver Reno Francot (Netherlands) said: “Overall it’s the best championship and it’s the best for the junior academies that follow FREC the most. Coming from Formula 4 it’s a good step up. This year is to show myself, show my capabilities and eventually move up to F3, anything to get recognised by the big leagues.”

Prema Racing driver Kean Nakamura-Berta (Great Britain) said: “It’s definitely the most competitive championship at this level in between Formula 4 and Formula 3. We get to race on incredible circuits, it’s the pathway to Formula 3, it’s where most junior drivers go to in their career. It was the obvious choice from Formula 4.”

Rodin Motorsport driver Alex Ninovic (Australia) said: “The competitiveness with all the high-level drivers is why I chose FIA Formula Regional. You get a lot of valuable track time that will help you get prepared for F3 and F2 in the best position possible and show the big teams out there if you’re good enough.”

MP Motorsport driver Sebastian Wheldon (USA) said: “It’s the most competitive championship, the new car has brought a lot of excitement, and the FIA is running the series. The car is more challenging compared to the old one, so you have to be more on it, and with the push-to-pass you have to be more strategic about everything. But I love the car, and I can’t wait to drive it for the rest of the season. It’s a great way to learn.”

Circuit Zandvoort is next up on the FIA FREC schedule with the Dutch track hosting the action from 22-24 May.

Click HERE for provisional results and standings.

Click HERE for more on the FIA Formula Regional European Championship.