The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, announces that the FIA Formula Regional European Championship officially gets under way with the opening pre-season test at Hockenheim, scheduled for Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 March.

The German venue ushers in the new FIA Formula Regional European Championship, with the FIA taking a central role in its governance and positioning within the international single-seater pathway, alongside the organisation and promotion by FIA Member Club, Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI).

Run over two days on the venue’s 4.574-kilometre layout, the test provides the first opportunity for the FIA Formula Regional European Championship’s 10 registered teams to try out the all-new FIA FR car, the Tatuus T-326, on track at the same time.

Developed by the FIA, eagerly anticipated second-generation FIA Formula Regional car represents a step forward in performance and safety for the category and follows the aerodynamic philosophy of Formula 1.

The 2026 season will feature eight events. Spielberg will host the opening round on the weekend of 24-26 April. The campaign will then visit a selection of Europe’s most historic 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.