Timur Shagaliev delivers fourth-round triumph for Asia Racing Team RFN as electric mobility leader makes powerful motorsport statement
SHANGHAI – April 21, 2026 – Apollo Motor, through its electric mobility subsidiary RFN, has commenced the 2026 FIA Formula 4 Chinese Championship with a powerful statement of intent, as Asia Racing Team RFN driver Timur Shagaliev clinched a decisive victory in the fourth round of the season-opening Shanghai International Circuit event (April 17-19).
The result marks a significant milestone for RFN, the NEEQ-listed electric motorcycle brand under the Apollo Motor umbrella, which entered the 2026 season with expanded technical partnerships across both Asia Racing Team and Blackjack Racing. It represents the first victory of the 2026 campaign for the Apollo-RFN alliance and establishes early championship momentum as the series heads toward its second round at Tianjin V1 International Circuit next month.
Shagaliev, who has been competing in karting since the age of eight and built an impressive junior career across Russian national competitions before transitioning to Formula 4, delivered the team’s breakthrough moment at one of China’s most demanding and technically challenging circuits. The 2.063-mile Shanghai International Circuit, known for its long straights and tight hairpins, demands both raw speed and precise racecraft — qualities Shagaliev demonstrated in abundance throughout the weekend.
The fourth-round triumph came via a reverse-grid format, where the starting order for Round 4 was determined by reversing the top twelve finishers from Round 3 — a regulation introduced specifically to maximize overtaking, enhance spectator excitement, and create unpredictable race dynamics. Shagaliev capitalized on the opportunity, navigating through traffic with composure and executing a series of clean overtakes that ultimately secured the top step of the podium.
“This victory is a testament to the hard work of the entire Asia Racing Team RFN organization,” said a team spokesperson following the race. “Timur drove with exceptional maturity and strategic awareness. To achieve this result at Shanghai, one of the most prestigious circuits on the calendar, makes it even more meaningful for everyone involved.”
The 20-car grid featured a diverse lineup of international and Chinese talent across 12 teams, with CHAMP ACADEMY driver Chen Yuqi claiming victory in the first three rounds before Shagaliev’s decisive fourth-round performance. The field included a mix of rising young stars and experienced campaigners, highlighting the depth of competition in China’s premier junior single-seater series.
RFN renewed and expanded its collaboration with both Asia Racing Team and Blackjack Racing ahead of the 2026 season, reinforcing a partnership built on shared values of performance, engineering excellence, and long-term driver development. The expanded technical agreement includes increased engineering support, enhanced data sharing protocols, and a more integrated approach to race weekend operations.
“RFN continues to innovate within the mid-size motorcycle segment, championing clean, quiet riding through its focus on lightweight, high-torque electric dirt bikes,” the company has stated in previous communications. “The mission is to develop high-quality, sustainable electric motorcycles that inspire progress toward a zero-emission society.”
The brand’s presence in Formula 4 represents a strategic bridge between Apollo Motor’s off-road motorcycle manufacturing heritage — as one of the world’s most influential producers in that category — and the future of competitive motorsport. By aligning with a junior single-seater series that serves as the official pathway to Formula 1, Apollo and RFN signal their long-term commitment to performance engineering and the cultivation of young driving talent.
The 2026 season-opening result follows a highly competitive 2025 campaign for Apollo’s racing programs. Last year, the Apollo RFN teams, operating through Blackjack Racing and Asia Racing Team, fielded an accomplished international driver lineup that demonstrated consistent race pace and podium potential across multiple circuits.
Andrey Dubynin secured third place overall in the F4 Group classification, delivering reliable points finishes throughout the season. Viktor Turkin claimed third place in the Masters Group, showcasing veteran racecraft and strategic acumen. Héloïse Reyna Goldberg made history as the championship’s first foreign female driver, earning the Best Rookie Award and attracting significant international media attention to the series.
These 2025 results established a foundation of credibility and operational experience that has directly contributed to the early 2026 success. The continuity of engineering personnel and the deepening relationship between Apollo, RFN, and its partner teams have created an environment where drivers can focus entirely on performance.
Shagaliev’s path to the top step of the podium has been marked by steady progression through the ranks of junior motorsport. Beginning his career in competitive karting at age eight, he accumulated racecraft fundamentals across multiple Russian national championships before making the transition to Formula 4. His driving style is characterized by smooth steering inputs, precise braking points, and an ability to manage tire degradation over long stints — all attributes that served him well during the demanding Shanghai weekend.
The fourth-round victory is Shagaliev’s first win of the 2026 season and positions him as a genuine contender for overall championship honors as the calendar progresses. With five rounds remaining, the championship remains wide open, and the consistency demonstrated by both driver and team suggests that additional podium finishes are well within reach.
The six-round 2026 calendar represents the most geographically diverse schedule in championship history, featuring two first-time host circuits and a mix of permanent road courses designed to test different aspects of car setup and driver skill.
Round 1 (Completed) – April 17-19
Shanghai International Circuit
Shagaliev victory, Round 4
Round 2 – May 22-24
Tianjin V1 International Circuit
First-time host
Round 3 – June 26-28
Ningbo International Speedpark
Technical, undulating layout
Round 4 – August 28-30
Hunan International Circuit
First-time host
Round 5 – September 25-27
Chengdu Tianfu International Circuit
High-speed design
Round 6 – October 16-18
Zhuhai International Circuit
Season finale
Each circuit presents unique challenges. Tianjin V1, making its F4 debut, features a blend of slow-speed corners and high-speed esses that will test chassis balance. Ningbo’s dramatic elevation changes reward aggressive braking and strong exit traction. The new Hunan circuit, details of which continue to emerge, promises a modern layout designed with FIA safety standards. Chengdu’s Tianfu International Circuit offers long straights conducive to slipstream battles, while Zhuhai — a classic venue in Chinese motorsport — provides a fitting stage for the championship decider.
The Shanghai season opener attracted more than 40,000 spectators across the three-day weekend, reflecting growing interest in junior single-seater racing in China. The event also benefited from continued support from title sponsor Dongpeng Beverage, which returned for a second consecutive year as exclusive title sponsor of the championship. Sailun Tires remains the official tire supplier, providing consistent performance characteristics across all weather conditions encountered during the weekend.
Apollo Motor is recognized as one of the world’s most influential off-road motorcycle manufacturers, with a heritage spanning decades of engineering innovation in high-performance two-wheeled vehicles. The company’s commitment to quality, durability, and rider-focused design has earned it a loyal following among enthusiasts and professional riders alike. In recent years, Apollo has strategically expanded its focus to include electric mobility solutions, anticipating the global transition toward sustainable transportation.
RFN, listed on China’s National Equities Exchange and Quotations, operates as a subsidiary of Zhejiang Apollo Sports Technology Company Limited. The brand specializes in lightweight, high-torque electric dirt bikes designed for both recreational and competitive use. RFN’s engineering philosophy emphasizes clean, quiet operation without compromising the thrill and responsiveness that riders expect from Apollo’s performance DNA. By participating in the F4 Chinese Championship, RFN bridges its electric mobility mission with the visceral excitement of circuit racing, demonstrating that sustainable technology and high performance are not mutually exclusive.
The FIA Formula 4 Chinese Championship, established in 2015 and sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, serves as China’s premier junior single-seater series. The championship creates a structured pathway from karting to Formula 3, Formula 2, and ultimately Formula 1, with successful graduates earning Super Licence points required for progression to the highest levels of global motorsport. The series is organized by the China Automotive Motor Sports Federation and operated by Mintsai Racing, with a commitment to driver safety, competitive parity, and entertainment value for spectators.
With the Shanghai season opener now complete, the Apollo RFN teams will turn their attention to preparation for Round 2 at Tianjin V1 International Circuit from May 22 to 24. The five-week gap between rounds allows for vehicle analysis, setup refinement, and continued driver coaching. Team personnel have indicated that data collected from the Shanghai weekend — particularly regarding tire performance under varying track temperatures — will inform strategic decisions for the remainder of the season.
Fans and stakeholders can follow live timing, race results, and team updates through the official F4 Chinese Championship channels and Apollo Motor’s corporate communications platforms. Additional driver announcements and technical partnerships are expected in the coming weeks as the 2026 season gains momentum.
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