Preparations are gathering pace for the 2026/27 Gulf Radical Cup, with the first drivers now confirmed and the latest shipment of cars and parts safely on the ground in the UAE.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding regional freight and logistics over recent months, the container made excellent time, completing the journey from the UK to the UAE in just six weeks.
Inside are three brand-new Radical SR3 XXR cars for new customers, together with a large shipment of spare parts to support teams and drivers throughout the coming season.
The first group of drivers has now signed up for the new season, bringing together some very familiar GRC names alongside drivers looking to make their mark in the championship.
Johnny Khazzoum (JK Racing) returns for another season and is one of the most experienced drivers on the GRC grid. A regular podium contender over the years, Johnny will once again be looking to put his experience to good use in his brand-new SR3 XXR.
Amir Feyzulin (Dream Racing) is another of the championship's longest-serving competitors and returns following an excellent 2025/26 season in which he secured the National Class Championship. Amir has also been busy racing in Radical Cup Europe over the summer, including a Fangio Class victory at Paul Ricard.
Andy Lowe (Orton Group) returns to the Gulf Radical Cup having become a regular face in Radical racing both in the UAE, Europe, and the USA. After taking his first GRC podium at Dubai Autodrome and continuing to race in Radical Cup UK and Europe, Andy should arrive at Yas Marina ready to hit the ground running.
Alain Alfonsi (GulfSport Racing) will be back after making his GRC debut last season following an incredible 30-year break from racing. Alain made impressive progress as the season developed and will be looking to build on that experience this time around. This year, at the wheel of GulfSport Racing’s 2025/26 Championship-winning car, driven by Harry Hannam.
Aleksandr Celiandin (GulfSport Racing) also returns after making his Gulf Radical Cup debut last season and gaining valuable experience of both Yas Marina and Dubai Autodrome.
Vasily Vladykin (Continental Racing) will also be one of the main contenders for the overall GRC title. Showing amazing pace last year, this season plans to race all the rounds, making him one of the odds-on winners of the title.
Joining them on the confirmed entry list in their brand-new SR3 XXR’s is Aqib Chowdhury, and the pairing of newcomer Bartek Rosinski, who will be sharing his car with racing and karting veteran David Bright (known to many as the Dubai Kartdrome Manager), adding three more names to what is already shaping up to be another varied and competitive GRC field.
The championship gets underway at Yas Marina Circuit on 24–25 October, with the popular SuperPrix format moving to the opening round of the season.
Saturday will feature the traditional two 25-minute Sprint Races before attention turns to Sunday, with SuperPole qualifying followed by the 85-minute SuperPrix.
The Yas Marina weekend forms part of the circuit's Speed Week event, with additional testing and a pre-event function planned ahead of the racing.
From Abu Dhabi, the championship moves to Dubai Autodrome for Round 2 in November before returning to Yas Marina in the new year and ultimately concluding with a run of events at Dubai Autodrome.
With new cars now in the country, parts on the truck and the first group of drivers signed up, everything is quickly falling into place for the 2026/27 Gulf Radical Cup.
After a busy summer of preparation, attention can now firmly turn towards the opening race weekend.
Next stop: Yas Marina Circuit!
