UAE Flag Flies at Misano World Circuit / Misano (Italy)/Abu Dhabi, May 5, 2025
AE’s Rashid Al Dhaheri has made history by securing the first-ever podium for a Middle Eastern driver in the Formula Regional European Championship, kicking off his 2025 campaign with a spectacular third-place finish at the season opener in Misano, Italy.
Having recently joined the prestigious Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Junior Team, Al Dhaheri stepped up from Formula 4 to the fiercely competitive Formula Regional category, the crucial bridge between junior racing and Formula 3. The 2025 championship spans ten race weekends on iconic Formula 1 circuits such as Barcelona, Hockenheim, the Hungaroring, Monza, Zandvoort, Imola and Red Bull Ring, offering young talents a proving ground for their future in top-tier motorsport.
From May 3–4, 26 drivers representing 15 countries took to the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, a 4.2 km track renowned for its blend of high-speed corners and technical complexity. In Qualifying Group B, Al Dhaheri delivered an impressive lap time of 1:28.525, earning him a front-row start from P3 on the Race 1 grid.
In a fiercely contested race, Al Dhaheri was holding his position through the opening lap. With composure and strategic tire management, he consistently closed the gap to the front-runners, pushing relentlessly in the final laps. His charge culminated in a near pass on the penultimate corner, crossing the finish line just 0.3 seconds behind second place.
As the UAE flag got hissed in Misano for the first time in Formula Regional history, a beaming Al Dhaheri stood on the podium, lifting the trophy with pride. The result marks a significant milestone in his career and for motorsport in the Middle East. “It was a fantastic way to start the season. Standing on the podium is always special, and I’m proud to raise the UAE flag. I know it’s going to be a tough season, but I’m ready to work hard and make the necessary sacrifices to keep improving and stay competitive at the top.”
The championship continues in two weeks with Round 2 at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium.