Photo: ACI Sport
Dion Gowda will remain at Van Amersfoort Racing to spend a second year racing in Formula Regional.
He will start 2026 in FRegional Middle East, which gets underway next week at Yas Marina Circuit, then race in the FRegional European Championship. Both will be using Tatuus’s new second-generation chassis, the T-326.
Gowda raced in FREC last year, and came 12th in the standings with two fifth places as his best race results. That was enough to make him the top driver in the championship’s rookie classification by 36 points, although he was heavily outscored by his team-mates.
He also drove for Xcel Motorsport in two GB3 rounds. Sixth place was his highest finish, and he came 25th in the standings.
“I’m very happy to be sticking with VAR for the 2026 FRegional campaign,” said the 18-year-old Indian. “We had a solid first season together and I believe we can continue and improve on that form for 2026.”
In FRME, Gowda will be team-mate to Formula 4 graduate Yuhao Fu.
“We’re excited to continue working with Dion,” VAR’s team principal Brad Joyce said. “In his rookie season with us, he already proved his ability in FRegional machinery. Dion is a very professional and respectful driver with a positive attitude, making him a real pleasure to work with. The Middle East rounds will give him the perfect chance to get fully familiar with the new car, helping both him and the team head into the European championship ready to fight for strong points.”