Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Photo: WAM
Emirati racing star Rashid Al Dhaheri had a fantastic weekend at the Hungaroring circuit in Hungary, where he finished in second place during one of the most important races in the Formula Regional Championship. This is a big achievement for the young driver, especially because it was his very first time racing at this famous track.
A New Track, A Big Challenge
The Hungaroring is a well-known racetrack located just outside Budapest, Hungary. It’s not an easy track to race on. The corners are tight, and the layout is technical, which means drivers need to be extremely precise and skilled to do well. It’s also a track with a long and rich history in the world of Formula racing. Many legendary races have taken place here, and it’s known to be tough on both drivers and cars.
Despite these challenges, Rashid Al Dhaheri handled the situation like a professional. Even though it was his first time racing at the Hungaroring, he quickly adapted. He didn’t take long to get comfortable with the track.
Fast from the First Day
The race weekend began with test sessions on Thursday, and right from the start, Rashid showed he was ready. He was already driving at a competitive pace, proving how quickly he can adjust to a new environment. Learning a new track usually takes time for most drivers, but Rashid seemed to understand it very quickly. This shows just how talented and focused he is.
Over Thursday and Friday, there were more test sessions, where Rashid and his team—PREMA Racing—worked closely together to improve the car’s performance. They spent these two days testing different setups and making sure the car was well-balanced for the races ahead. In racing, a balanced car helps the driver go faster and handle corners more smoothly, which is very important on a track like the Hungaroring.
The hard work paid off. By the end of the testing sessions, Rashid’s car was in great shape, and he was feeling confident heading into the main race days.
A Strong Start on Saturday
On Saturday, Rashid had his first qualifying session. In racing, qualifying is when drivers try to set the fastest time to determine their starting position for the race. The faster you qualify, the closer you start to the front. Rashid did a great job and qualified in third place (P3).
Later that day, Race 1 took place. Rashid kept calm and drove smartly, finishing the race in fourth place (P4). Even though he didn’t get on the podium in the first race, he still earned valuable championship points. In Formula racing, points are given based on where a driver finishes in each race, and those points add up throughout the season.
The weather on Saturday was extremely hot, which made the race even harder. The high temperatures challenged both the physical fitness and mental focus of the drivers. But Rashid handled it well and kept his cool.
Even Better on Sunday
On Sunday, Rashid returned to the track with even more energy and focus. He did an amazing job in the second qualifying session and finished in second place (P2), which meant he would start the next race from the front row.
In Race 2, Rashid gave a fantastic performance. He drove confidently, made no major mistakes, and held his position to finish in second place. This was a huge moment, not just for Rashid but for his team as well. The second-place finish gave important points to both Rashid’s personal championship and to his team, PREMA Racing, in the team standings.
Rashid's Reaction
After the race, Rashid shared his thoughts with a big smile. He said,
“What a weekend in Hungary! I’m heading home with great points and strong momentum for the season. Huge thanks to my team for their incredible work and to everyone who continues to support me—it was my first time racing at the Hungaroring, and I loved every lap!”
It’s clear that Rashid truly enjoyed racing at the Hungaroring and that this experience has made him even more confident for the rest of the season.
A Bright Future in Racing
Rashid Al Dhaheri’s performance in Hungary shows once again that he is one of the most promising young talents in the world of motorsport. Many people have followed his journey from the time he started as an international karting champion, and now he is making a name for himself in the world of Formula racing.
What makes Rashid special is not just his speed on the track but also his ability to learn quickly, stay calm under pressure, and work well with his team. These are qualities that every great racing driver needs.
His progress is being closely watched by fans, teams, and racing experts across Europe and beyond. Rashid is proving that he belongs in the top ranks of motorsport and that he has the potential to go even further in his career.
What’s Next?
The next race in the Formula Regional Championship will be held in two weeks at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France. This is another famous and challenging track, and Rashid will once again be aiming to build on his strong performance from Hungary.
His second-place finish at the Hungaroring gives him a lot of momentum, and fans are excited to see how he performs in the next round. If he continues driving like this, more podiums—and maybe even a win—could be just around the corner.
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