Ary Bansal to make Formula Regional European Championship debut

India’s Ary Bansal will race at the 2026 Formula Regional European Champion (FREC) finale at Hockenheim this weekend (September 11-13).

The 16-year-old from Bengaluru is currently competing in the Italian Formula 4 Championship, where he stands third overall. His FREC outing is a one-off for now, giving him the chance to drive the Tatuus T-326 single-seater for the very first time

Bansal is the first Indian driver to win the GB4 championship

Currently third overall in the Italian F4 Championship

Following a successful karting career, Bansal has built an impressive record since making the step up to single-seater racing. Last year, he became the first Indian driver to win the GB4 Championship, finishing the season with four wins and 11 podiums. He also competed in six rounds of the FIA British F4 Championship last year and even represented India at the inaugural FIA F4 World Cup. 

This year, Bansal has been racing in the Italian F4 Championship, and has already secured a win and four further podium finishes after five rounds. His FREC outing with team CL Motorsport represents another step up the single-seater ladder for the young Indian racer.

“I’m pleased to be joining CL Motorsport at Hockenheim. It’s a valuable opportunity to gain experience at the Formula Regional level and step into a new car. I’m looking forward to getting on track, building throughout the weekend and maximising every session,” said Bansal.

Hockenheim will host the final round of the 2026 FREC, that has seen five different drivers leads the standings. It’s set to be a four-way showdown, with Emanuele Olivieri leading by 20 points from Sebastian Wheldon. Kean Nakamura-Berta is third overall, just five points behind Wheldon, while Rashid Al Dhaheri is fourth overall, another 10 points adrift.