UAE's Rashid Al Dhaheri secures second place at Hungaroring circuit

Dubai: Emerging Emirati racing star Rashid Al Dhaheri delivered a standout performance at the legendary Hungaroring circuit, claiming a hard-fought second-place finish and securing vital championship points in the Formula Regional Championship.

Situated just outside Budapest, the Hungaroring is famed for its tight, technical layout and rich legacy in Formula racing. The circuit demands razor-sharp precision, physical stamina, and a finely tuned car setup—challenges that Al Dhaheri met head-on in his debut appearance at the track.

Despite being new to the circuit, the young PREMA driver quickly found his rhythm. From the opening test session on Thursday, Al Dhaheri showed immediate pace, adapting swiftly to the circuit's unique demands and proving his versatility behind the wheel.

Over two intensive days of collective testing, Al Dhaheri and his PREMA team focused relentlessly on car setup, seeking the ideal balance to tackle the circuit’s complex layout. Their efforts paid off, with performance gains evident heading into the race weekend.

In Saturday’s qualifying, Al Dhaheri secured P3 and went on to finish P4 in Race 1—a strong result under grueling summer heat conditions that tested both drivers and machines. The points earned added to his and the team’s growing championship tally.

On Sunday, Al Dhaheri elevated his game. After a stellar P2 qualifying result, he executed a confident and measured drive in Race 2, crossing the line in second place. The podium finish added crucial points to PREMA’s constructor standings and further cemented his reputation as a rising force in the series.

"What a weekend in Hungary," said Al Dhaheri. "I'm heading home with great points and strong momentum. Huge thanks to my team for their incredible work, and to everyone who continues to support me—it was my first time racing here, and I loved every lap!"

This latest podium marks another key milestone in Al Dhaheri’s progression from international karting champion to one of the most exciting young talents on the European racing scene. His speed, adaptability, and poise under pressure continue to set him apart in an ultra-competitive field.

The championship now moves to the Paul Ricard Circuit in France in two weeks, where Al Dhaheri will aim to build on his strong form and push for more podium success.