> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thehairpin.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Sano Converts Pole into Maiden Victory as Nakamura-Berta Returns to the Podium in FREC Round 5
- URL: https://www.thehairpin.co/sano-converts-pole-into-maiden-victory-as-nakamura-berta-returns-to-the-podium-in-frec-round-5/
- Published: 2026-07-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-09T00:00:00.000Z
- Description: The Hungaroring hosted Round 5 of the 2026 Formula Regional European Championship, where Yuki Sano delivered his strongest weekend of the season with pole position and maiden victory in FREC, while Kean Nakamura-Berta added another podium to his campaign. Kabir Anurag also secured points across a…
- Author: Maheeka Bubna
- Tags: This Week in Motorsport

**Yuki Sano**

Sano laid the foundation on Saturday by taking pole in Qualifying Group A before backing it up with P2 in the second qualifying session. Starting from the front for Race 1, he controlled proceedings to secure victory, converting pole into his first win of the season.

Race 2 proved considerably more difficult. Despite starting from the front rows after qualifying second in Group A, Sano slipped back through the order to finish 18th, ending an otherwise standout weekend on a frustrating note.

**Kean Nakamura-Berta**

Nakamura-Berta built momentum across the weekend after qualifying seventh in Group B for Race 1, recovering to finish tenth and collect the final championship point.

A much stronger second qualifying session followed, with the Japanese driver taking third in Group B before converting that pace into third place in Race 2\. The podium added another strong result to an increasingly consistent campaign.

**Kabir Anurag**

Anurag qualified sixth and seventh in Group A across the two qualifying sessions, placing himself firmly inside the midfield fight.

The Singaporean driver opened the weekend with ninth in Race 1 to score points before finishing 12th in Race 2, narrowly missing out on another top-ten result.

Round 5 belonged to Sano, whose pole position and Race 1 victory marked the headline performance of the weekend. Nakamura-Berta's return to the podium ensured another strong haul for Japanese representation, while Anurag continued to build consistency as the Formula Regional European Championship heads to its next round.