Nov 18

Nov 18 New regional series for the Middle East

A new regional development series will be held in the Middle East from 2023.

The Formula Regional Middle East Championship will launch in 2023. *(Top Speed / RACEWEEK)*

Formula Regional Asia promoters Top Speed will launch the Formula Regional Middle East Championship at a pre-season test on January 9.

The Formula Regional Asian Championship (FRAC) has been based in the Middle East in recent years due to COVID-19 travel restrictions in Asia.

Top Speed general manager Davide De Gobbi cited the success in the region had led to the launch of a stand-alone series.

"The enormous success of the Formula Regional Asian Championship held here over recent seasons has shown the Middle East is a burgeoning centre for junior single seater motorsport, and we believe a dedicated championship will further strengthen this position," said De Gobbi.

"Middle East-based karters will be able to progress all the way through the F4 UAE and Formula Regional Middle East championships in their own region - and on FIA world-class Grade 1 race tracks - before taking the step onto the world stage in the FIA Formula 3 Championship."

The five-round inaugural season will visit Dubai, Kuwait, and Yas Marina, with ten teams already confirmed.

The Formula Regional Asia Championship will return in Southeast Asia "when circumstances permit," according to Top Speed.

The launch of the FRMEC is credited as part of the continuing success of the FIA's driver development strategy, the so-called "ladder to Formula 1."

There are now five official Formula Regional championships, across Asia, America, Europe, Japan, and the Middle East.

An Indian series had been planned for late this year but is believed to be postponed until 2023.

The Formula Regional Middle East Championship launches on January 9 at Dubai Autodrome ahead of round one on January 13-14.

2023 FIA Formula Regional Middle East Championship - Calendar