2026/27 Gulf Radical Cup grid takes shape ahead of Yas Marina opener

The latest arrival includes three brand-new SR3 XXRs for new customers, alongside a substantial stock of spare parts to support teams and drivers throughout the championship. Despite wider uncertainty affecting regional freight and logistics, preparations continue as planned, with the shipment completing its journey from the UK in just six weeks.

With cars, parts and technical support in place, attention is now turning firmly towards the racing.

The first group of drivers confirmed for the new season brings together familiar Gulf Radical Cup names, established front-runners and newcomers ready to make their mark.

Johnny Khazzoum (JK Racing) returns for another season as one of the most experienced drivers on the Gulf Radical Cup grid. A regular podium contender, Johnny will look to turn that experience into results once again as he takes on the 2026/27 campaign in a brand-new SR3 XXR.

Amir Feyzulin (Dream Racing) returns as one of the championship’s longest-serving competitors, fresh from winning the 2025/26 National Class Championship. He has also kept sharp over the summer with a programme in Radical Cup Europe, highlighted by a Fangio Class victory at Paul Ricard, and now turns his attention back to another season in the Gulf.

Andy Lowe (Orton Group) returns having become a familiar presence in Radical competition across the UAE, Europe and the USA. After securing his first GRC podium at Dubai Autodrome and continuing to race in Radical Cup UK and Europe, Andy heads to Yas Marina with valuable seat time and momentum behind him.

Alain Alfonsi (GulfSport Racing) is back for his second Gulf Radical Cup season after making his racing comeback last year following 30 years away from competition. Alain made steady progress throughout his debut campaign and will look to build on that experience in 2026/27, this time at the wheel of the GulfSport Racing car that Harry Hannam took to the championship title last season.

Aleksandr Celiandin (GulfSport Racing) also returns for a second campaign after making his GRC debut last season. With valuable experience of both Yas Marina Circuit and Dubai Autodrome now under his belt, he heads into 2026/27 looking to build on that foundation and take another step forward.

Vasily Vladykin (Continental Racing) returns as one of the drivers expected to challenge at the front of the field. After showing strong pace throughout last season, a planned full-season campaign in 2026/27 gives him the opportunity to turn that speed into a sustained title challenge.

Serhii Volobuiev (GulfSport Racing) returns for his second Gulf Radical Cup season, looking to build on the experience gained during his debut campaign. Back in a GulfSport Racing-prepared SR3 XXR, Serhii will be targeting a first GRC podium in 2026/27.

Alex Chachava (Dream Racing) is back for a third Gulf Radical Cup season after finishing runner-up in the National Class last year. With two seasons of GRC experience behind him, Alex returns in 2026/27 with his sights set on challenging for the National Class title.

Joining the confirmed entry list in brand-new SR3 XXRs are Aqib Chowdhury and newcomer Bartek Rosinski, who will share his car with racing and karting veteran David Bright, known to many through his role as Dubai Kartdrome Manager.

Joining the confirmed entry list in brand-new SR3 XXRs are Aqib Chowdhury and newcomer Bartek Rosinski, who will share his car with racing and karting veteran David Bright, known to many through his role as Dubai Kartdrome Manager.

Their arrival adds three more names to a field already combining experienced contenders, developing drivers and newcomers to Radical competition.

The 2026/27 Gulf Radical Cup 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 two 25-minute Sprint Races before the focus shifts to Sunday, when SuperPole qualifying will set the grid for the 85-minute SuperPrix.

The opening weekend forms part of Yas Marina Circuit’s Speed Week event, with additional testing and a pre-event function also planned ahead of the racing.

From Abu Dhabi, the championship moves to Dubai Autodrome for Round 2 in November and Round 3 in January before returning to Yas Marina in February, followed by the closing rounds of the season in Dubai.

For drivers, the Gulf Radical Cup combines the performance of the SR3 with dedicated championship support, substantial track time and the opportunity to race at two of the region’s leading circuits. It also provides a platform for progression within the wider Radical racing network, whether competing locally, stepping up from karting or club racing, or adding international Radical competition to an existing programme.

With new cars now in the UAE, parts support in place and the first wave of drivers confirmed, preparations for the new season are firmly on schedule.

Entries remain open for the 2026/27 Gulf Radical Cup as the focus turns to the opening weekend at Yas Marina Circuit. The championship welcomes drivers to join for testing or a race weekend, with its network of teams having rental cars available for arrive and drive. Please contact GRC@gulf-sport.com for further information.