Taking over from the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA), the FIA Formula Regional European Championship (FIA FREC) has announced its inaugural schedule covers eight weekends from April to September, with five FIA Formula One World Championship venues included.

The 2026 FIA Formula Regional European Championship calendar takes place over eight weekends as follows: Red Bull Ring, Austria (24-26 April); Zandvoort, Netherlands (22-24 May); Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium (29-31 May); Monza, Italy (19-21 June); Hungaroring, Hungary (3-5 July); Paul Ricard, France (17-19 July); Imola, Italy (4-6 September); and Hockenheim, Germany (11-13 September). Pre-season tests took place at Hockenheim, Paul Ricard and Red Bull Ring.

Positioned one step above Formula 4 in the FIA Single-Seater Pyramid, FIA FREC caters exclusively for the second-generation Formula Regional Tatuus T-326. All-new for 2026, the car has been developed by the Italian constructor in partnership with the FIA and follows the aerodynamic philosophy deployed in Formula 1 to encourage closer racing. Its design also represents another step in terms of performance and safety.

Ten teams have been successful in securing entries for the 2026 season, with each fielding three up-and-coming racers for a 30-car line-up: ART Grand Prix, CL Motorsport, G4 Racing, MP Motorsport, Prema Racing, R-Ace GP, Rodin Motorsport, RPM Motorsport, Trident Motorsport and Van Amersfoort Racing. All teams use Pirelli tires.

Drivers contesting the inaugural FIA Formula Regional European Championship in 2026 will be able to utilize Race Mode in their pursuit of on-track success.

The new Race Mode push-to-pass system allows drivers to trigger full engine performance for a period of time when activated by a button from inside the cockpit. Its introduction for the 2026 FIA Formula Regional European Championship season is the result of extensive research and development managed by the FIA.

Experts from the FIA's technical department oversaw simulations of Race Mode in conjunction with the FIA's Formula 1 aerodynamicists, while Tatuus, the constructor of the second-generation Formula Regional Tatuus T-326, and engine supplier, ATM, managed the software upgrading and validation process.