The Tatuus T-326 has been unveiled at Monza. The second-generation FIA Formula Regional European Championship car, which will be adopted in the 2026 FREC season, was presented by representatives from the FIA, the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) and Tatuus ahead of this season’s final round on October 26.
The vehicle – which is subject to FIA homologation – has been built to the latest FIA specifications and delivers “a major step forward in terms of performance, aerodynamics and safety”, Formula Regional said in a statement. Its development followed extensive research and development by the FIA’s technical and safety department and incorporates significant updates by the FIA’s aerodynamicists in line with the design philosophy developed for the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
Formula Regoinal has, since 2019, occupied an important position in the global single-seater pyramid, sitting between the national FIA-certified Formula 4 championships and international competitions such as FIA Formula 3.
While FR will continue to be a worldwide platform, with championships run across the Americas, MENA and Asia-Pacific regions, the latest developments will see the European Championship obtain full FIA Championship status from 2026 – organized and promoted by ACI with technical and sporting governance from the FIA. Combined with the introduction of the latest car, it aims to create a more direct stepping stone for those drivers who have proven themselves in junior categories to target the international FIA Formula 3 Championship.
FIA single-seater committee president Emanuele Pirro said, “The new Formula Regional car hits all the objectives we have set for this level of single-seater racing. The car will be more raceable with new aerodynamics and longer-life tires, while also being faster and safer – this is a really amazing achievement thanks to the work of the FIA. I’d also like to thank ACI and Tatuus for their commitment to this next phase for the European Championship – we are making this platform essential for any young racing drivers looking to progress to international competition.”
Technical specifications
The next-generation chassis complies with the highest FIA safety standards, featuring reinforced structures and updated components such as redesigned front and rear crash boxes, anti-intrusion panels and a revised roll-over protection system. Inside the cockpit, the ergonomic configuration has been optimized to ensure a comfortable driving position suitable for a wide range of drivers, improving visibility, comfort and overall driving experience.
The car on display in Monza has recently undergone aerodynamic testing at the Catesby Tunnel facility in the UK, where the ultra-efficient concept derived from top-level single-seater categories was verified using some of the latest industry technologies. This included a particle image velocimetry system from LaVision, which collected images at 300Hz and processed them to generate a 3D visualization of the wake and turbulent structures.
The car will feature increased overall downforce and a reduced wake effect, improving overtaking opportunities and on-track racing quality. Combined with a new three-cylinder ATM163T engine, developed by Autotecnica Motori and derived from the Toyota G16E unit, FREC in 2026 will feature the category’s most efficient car ever, meeting the FIA’s ambitious targets for sustainability through technological innovation.
General Tullio Del Sette, extraordinary commissioner of ACI, added, “The collaboration between Tatuus, Autotecnica Motori, Pirelli and other Italian partners is tangible proof of a system that works and continues to grow. Seeing a championship promoted and organized by ACI Sport, adopting a chassis entirely developed and built in Italy, is a source of great pride and confidence in the future. With the FIA Formula Regional European Championship, we are entering a new phase of consolidation of Italy’s leadership in motorsport and of ACI’s role on the international stage.”
Tatuus and ATM CEO Giovanni Delfino, said, “Tatuus and ATM have been part of the FIA Formula Regional story since day one. We are proud to continue this journey through a car that reflects our group’s technical synergy and engineering capabilities, representing a tangible step forward. Just like the T-318 was the launchpad for many world class drivers, we are confident the new Tatuus T-326 will be the training ground for tomorrow’s racing stars.”
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