Method Regional European Championship enters its second technology with full FIA standing from 2026
The FIA and ACI are proud to announce the creation of the FIA Method Regional European Championship, a brand-new, FIA-supported single-seater competitors set to begin in 2026. This marks a vital subsequent step within the FIA’s structured expertise growth pathway.
The implementation of a brand new automobile in 2026 – the FR Gen2 – will mark a major evolution within the junior single-seater panorama, signalling a strategic second for redefining the Method Regional stage in Europe.
The championship shall be organised with the complete help of the FIA and in collaboration with ACI, the Italian ASN, which has additionally labored with Alpine on the Method Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA). The profitable partnership contributed considerably to the collection’ development over current years. This collaboration will present a strong basis for attaining sporting excellence, guaranteeing technical fairness, and fostering long-term development. Each events have agreed on the important thing phrases via a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding and shall be finalising the long-form settlement and the strategic plan within the close to future.
Since its inception in 2019 below the steerage of ACI and Alpine, the championship, licensed by the FIA, has established itself as one of the vital aggressive and worldwide single-seater platforms inside the FIA’s world growth construction. Over the previous seasons, greater than 160 drivers representing 44 nationalities and 22 groups have competed within the collection. The class has turn out to be a confirmed stepping stone within the FIA single-seater pyramid, with graduates together with Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Isack Hadjar, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Franco Colapinto.
The brand new championship will characteristic the Gen 2 Method Regional chassis and a brand new tyre specification from Pirelli, guaranteeing the very newest security improvements, technical modernity, and higher alignment with FIA world requirements. This can modernise the Method Regional class and reinforce its place as a real worldwide benchmark in driver growth.
The transition from FRECA in 2025 to the brand new FIA-supported format in 2026 will imply a whole reset of the technical and sporting package deal, making a platform aligned with the calls for of in the present day’s market and tomorrow’s expertise.
This initiative can also be totally aligned with the FIA’s mission to make sure a transparent, accessible, and efficient path for younger drivers, from nationwide FIA Method 4 championships to FIA Method Regional Championships, and finally to FIA Method 3.
The opposite Method Regional, Licensed by FIA Championships throughout the Americas and Japan, and the Licensed by FIA Trophies in Center East and Oceania will proceed to offer a vital proving floor for gifted drivers from these areas, with every having its personal roadmap in the direction of the second technology of equipment. They continue to be a cost-efficient route for essentially the most gifted racers from throughout the globe to plot their course in the direction of full FIA-run competitors.
FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, commented:
“This undertaking will create a stronger, better-supported atmosphere for younger drivers. With the complete help of the FIA areas and a imaginative and prescient of clear development, we’re taking an essential step in future-proofing the junior single-seater pyramid. Guaranteeing accessibility, worldwide credibility, and value effectivity is on the core of this initiative.”
Common Tullio Del Sette, Particular Commissioner of the Car Membership d’Italia, commented:
“With the official entry of the Method Regional European Championship into the FIA collection, the Italian Federation reaffirms its main function within the growth of worldwide motorsport. This can be a prestigious recognition of the work carried out by ACI and the effectiveness of our organizational mannequin. This step up in class enhances the worth of the collection on a worldwide scale, providing drivers a technical and sporting context similar to that of higher-level championships, whereas additionally contributing to the event of future champions.”