Yas Marina Circuit, host of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, is located on Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates. The 5.281 km circuit combines long straights, including a 1.2 km main straight, with technical sections and high-speed corners, demanding strong all-round performance from drivers.

For 2026, the series was renamed FRME and introduced the new Tatuus T-326. All drivers faced their first qualifying sessions and races with the new car. A total of 32 drivers from 20 countries were entered for this opening round. Each round features two 15-minute qualifying sessions and three races run over 28 minutes plus one lap.

After making his debut in the series last year, Honda Formula Dream Project and Honda Racing School Suzuka graduate Taito Kato made his return to the Formula Regional Middle East Trophy for the 2026 season this past weekend, 17-18 January.

In Qualifying 1 for Race 1, an early red flag disrupted the session, but Kato stayed competitive and secured P5, only 0.102 seconds shy of the fastest time. He carried this form into Qualifying 2 for Race 3, finishing P7 after a late red flag ended the session with 49 seconds remaining, 0.393 seconds behind the leader.

Race 1: Started P5 → Finished P5

Kato made a strong start in Race 1 and quickly pressured the cars ahead. He ran close to P4 at times and, while unable to overtake, maintained a solid pace, built a gap to the pack behind, and brought the car home in P5. This result earned him P8 on the reverse grid for Race 2.

Race 2: Started P8 → Retired

Race 2 was interrupted by a red flag at the start and restarted behind the safety car. Kato pushed aggressively after the restart, making several overtakes and climbing to P3. However, a side-by-side battle with the P2 car late in the race ended in contact and a crash, forcing his retirement.

Race 3: Did Not Start

Kato was set to start Race 3 from P7, but severe damage from the Race 2 incident meant he was unable to take part.

Round 2 of FRME will take place at the same venue, Yas Marina Circuit, on January 23–25.

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