21-car grid set for an exciting opening weekend at Yas Marina Circuit, 24–25 October 2026.

The Gulf Radical Cup returns to Yas Marina Circuit this weekend for the opening round of its 2026/27 season, with an impressive 20-car entry representing drivers from across the world.

Now entering its 21st season, the championship continues to attract a strong mix of experienced competitors, former champions and newcomers, with five teams preparing for what promises to be another highly competitive year.

Former Champions Return

Two former Gulf Radical Cup champions, Alim Geshev and Alex Bukhantsov, headline the entry. Both demonstrated their pace during the recent pre-season test at Yas Marina, with Geshev topping the timesheets ahead of Bukhantsov.

Reigning National Class Champion Amir Feyzulin also returns with Dream Racing, having enjoyed a successful summer competing in Europe. He will be joined by teammates Jahid Karim and Alexander Chachava, both familiar faces in the championship.

Continental Racing brings a strong line-up, including Bukhantsov, Vasily Vladykin, Ilia Sidorov, Dmitrii Shishko, Alex Berg and Canadian driver Ibby Hadeed. Vladykin was regularly among the front-runners last season and will undoubtedly be looking to turn his impressive pace into race victories.

New Faces and Returning Competitors

GulfSport Racing fields a strong entry, including Alain Alfonsi, Aleksandr Celiandin and newcomer Aqib Chowdhury, all of whom featured in the recent pre-season reports.

They are joined by Jacques Erasmus and Ukrainian racer Serhii Volobuiev, while Alex Bambrough teams up with Tom Brewer in an SR3 XX. Polish newcomer Bartek Rosinski will share his SR3 XXR with experienced racer David Bright, with Aussie Ty Menzies making his second appearance at the Gulf Radical Cup.

Russian driver Alim Geshev also joins the GulfSport Racing line-up.

Andy Lowe makes his return with Orton Racing, after being crowned UK Radical Cup Champion in Fangio Class.

KAA Motorsport returns with Johnny Khazzoum, who impressed during the recent Yas Marina test in his new SR3 XXR.

HK Racing is making its return with India's Rithvik Karthik in an SR3 RSX.

With such a varied field, the National Class is also expected to provide plenty of close racing, while some of the worlds most experienced racers go head to head for the over all title.

Three Races Across the Weekend

The previously planned Superprix format has been postponed to Round 4, so this weekend will see the regular GRC format.

This opening round takes place on the Grand Prix layout, with Thursday and Friday dedicated to testing, with 7.5 hours in total available to teams and drivers.

Saturday's action begins with Sprint Qualifying at 09:25, followed by two 25-minute Sprint Races at 11:55 and 14:50.

Sunday will see a separate qualifying session at 09:30 before the 45-minute Enduro gets underway at 11:40.

Entry is free to Yas Marina Circuit, so come along and see the action.