One month after the excitement of Zandvoort, the 2025 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) roared back into action at the Hungaroring. The 4.381 km circuit, steeped in tradition as host of the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix, once again provided the perfect backdrop for the fourth event of the 2025 season. As the campaign reached its midpoint, anticipation grew following an opening phase that delivered six races and five different winners, underlining the exceptional competitiveness of the grid.
Heading into Hungary, Freddie Slater of Prema Racing led the standings with 83 points, holding only a single-point advantage over Matteo De Palo of Trident. Both drivers had already tasted victory, while Enzo Deligny of R-ace GP remained firmly in the mix in third. Moreover, the emergence of talents such as Pedro Clerot, who scored his maiden win at Zandvoort, and Evan Giltaire, who triumphed earlier at Misano, reinforced the depth of contenders. Van Amersfoort Racing also carried momentum with strong performances from Clerot and Hiyu Yamakoshi, while ART Grand Prix and R-ace GP consistently featured at the sharp end.
The Hungaroring weekend promised to intensify this fascinating battle, not least with new entries including Ean Eyckmans (RPM), Javier Sagrera (Akcel GP), and the returning Zachary David (CL Motorsport). From the outset, the series displayed its hallmark of close competition, with numerous drivers separated by mere tenths of a second in practice and qualifying. Against this backdrop, the Hungarian round unfolded with a mix of established frontrunners, breakthrough rookies, and dramatic incidents shaping the narrative.
Pre-Event Collective Test 1: Deligny set the pace on opening day
The Hungaroring weekend opened under sweltering conditions, with track temperatures climbing towards 54°C, creating an immediate test for drivers and teams alike. Despite the demanding environment, the first Pre-Event Collective Test delivered a thrillingly tight battle at the top of the timesheets. Enzo Deligny of R-ace GP emerged as the benchmark, producing a lap of 1:40.202 to establish himself as the early pacesetter.
Remarkably, the Frenchman’s margin was razor-thin. Trident’s Matteo De Palo missed out on the fastest time by just 0.003 seconds, continuing the form that positioned him as one of Slater’s fiercest challengers for the title. Meanwhile, Pedro Clerot confirmed his momentum from Zandvoort by placing third, a mere 0.023 seconds behind Deligny. These fractions highlighted once again the extraordinary parity that defines this championship.
Further down the order, Thailand’s Nandhavud Bhirombhakdi impressed by securing fourth for Trident, immediately proving the Italian outfit’s strength. Michael Belov also impressed for CL Motorsport, slotting into fifth and maintaining his recent consistency. Behind him, Van Amersfoort Racing’s Hiyu Yamakoshi and Prema Racing’s Freddie Slater recorded identical lap times to share sixth place, underscoring just how fine the margins had become.
R-ace GP’s Jin Nakamura claimed eighth ahead of ART Grand Prix’s Evan Giltaire, while Akshay Bohra rounded out the top ten. Notably, the competitiveness extended far beyond the leading group: the first 17 drivers were covered by less than one second. This fact reinforced the narrative that even the smallest setup adjustment or driving error could dramatically alter the standings, setting the tone for an enthralling weekend.
Pre-Event Collective Test 2: Yamakoshi responds to top afternoon session
As the Hungaroring basked in hot afternoon conditions, the second Pre-Event Collective Test provided another showcase of the depth and unpredictability of the grid. With track temperatures climbing, lap times tumbled early before stabilising, and it was Hiyu Yamakoshi of Van Amersfoort Racing who stole the spotlight. The Japanese driver stopped the clocks at 1:40.039, a performance that confirmed his ability to challenge consistently at the sharp end.
Close behind, Rashid Al Dhaheri reminded observers of Prema Racing’s formidable pace. The Emirati talent produced a lap only 0.236 seconds shy of Yamakoshi’s best, clinching the runner-up spot and edging out Evan Giltaire, who placed third for ART Grand Prix. Giltaire’s run highlighted his determination to bounce back following recent misfortune, and his effort fell just 0.012 seconds short of Al Dhaheri.
The competitive order remained fluid throughout the session. R-ace GP’s Jin Nakamura seized fourth, demonstrating his improving speed, while Clerot once again reinforced his consistency by placing fifth. Matteo De Palo, sixth for Trident, kept himself firmly in contention ahead of the weekend’s crucial qualifying. Rookie Dion Gowda impressed once again by claiming seventh overall and topping the rookie classification.
Meanwhile, championship leader Slater secured eighth ahead of Deligny, while rookie Ean Eyckmans completed the top ten in only his second official outing in the series. The session also emphasised the remarkable parity, as drivers including Kanato Le, Belov, Bohra, Beeton, Kato, and Maya Weug all finished within 1.1 seconds of Yamakoshi. Such a tightly packed order promised fierce battles when racing commenced.
Collective Test 1: Nakumura shows pace in Budapest
Morning conditions at the Hungaroring were warm and dry as the first official collective test of the weekend unfolded, producing a new benchmark at the top of the order. This time, R-ace GP’s Jin Nakamura stole the headlines with a blistering 1:39.242, confirming the strong pace both he and his team had shown during earlier sessions.
However, the margins once again proved minimal. Trident’s Matteo De Palo underlined his growing title credentials by finishing only 0.029 seconds shy of Nakamura, further strengthening his reputation as one of the most consistent performers on the grid. His teammate, Bhirombhakdi, slotted into third just 0.045 seconds further back, cementing Trident’s status as a genuine force.
Behind the leading trio, Deligny continued his fine form with fourth, less than two tenths off the top. Clerot, building on his victory at Zandvoort, delivered another assured run to secure fifth for Van Amersfoort Racing. Akshay Bohra’s sixth place further highlighted R-ace GP’s competitiveness, while rookie standout Gowda again impressed by taking seventh overall and topping his class.
The Prema Racing duo of Slater and Al Dhaheri managed eighth and ninth, ensuring they remained in the thick of the action, while Giltaire rounded out the top ten for ART Grand Prix. Yamakoshi narrowly missed that cut in eleventh, just a fraction ahead of Belov. Notably, the first 16 drivers were covered by little more than a second, reinforcing the narrative that every lap carried weight and that the field was as closely matched as ever.
Collective Test 2: Eyckmans fastest in final Test
The afternoon session brought a change in fortunes as Belgian rookie Ean Eyckmans stunned the field with a sensational performance. Driving for RPM, Eyckmans adapted superbly to the Hungaroring and topped the timesheets with a 1:39.107, his rapid development across the weekend drawing immediate attention. His run not only confirmed his raw potential but also delivered RPM a moment of pride on their return to the series spotlight.
Nevertheless, the gaps remained narrow. Belov, drawing on his extensive FRECA experience, produced a lap only 0.155 seconds adrift, securing second for CL Motorsport. Behind him, Deligny maintained his high level of competitiveness by clinching third, just 0.169 seconds from Eyckmans’ benchmark. Bohra followed closely in fourth, further illustrating R-ace GP’s remarkable depth.
Giltaire rounded out the top five, showing resilience after a challenging start to the season, while Bedrin delivered a strong sixth for Saintéloc Racing. Prema’s Al Dhaheri and Nakamura of R-ace GP were separated by only hundredths in seventh and eighth, respectively. De Palo finished ninth for Trident, while Eyckmans’ teammate Rui-Heng Yeh secured tenth, less than six tenths adrift of the session leader.
Beyond the top ten, competitiveness remained fierce. Beeton, Kato, and David all found themselves within striking distance, while Le, Bhirombhakdi, and Slater also posted times inside the top sixteen. The session’s outcome further confirmed that rookies and experienced contenders alike could emerge at the front, keeping the championship narrative wide open.
Qualifying 1: De Palo secures maiden pole
The opening qualifying session of the weekend provided an immediate injection of drama as the 30-car field split into two groups under dry and settled conditions. Ultimately, Matteo De Palo made the biggest statement by seizing his first-ever pole position in the championship. His decisive lap of 1:37.431 in Group B underlined his ability to deliver under pressure and confirmed his growing status as a title favourite.
Group A had set the stage earlier, with Clerot producing a scintillating late effort to secure the top spot. The Brazilian driver continued his run of superb form by outpacing Deligny and Slater, who themselves demonstrated formidable speed but fell narrowly short. Bohra also impressed with fourth in the group, while Bedrin closed out the top five, though he later received a grid penalty for blocking.
Group B produced its own drama, as De Palo edged out Al Dhaheri, the Prema driver settling for second after briefly holding provisional pole. Giltaire secured third in the group, showing improved pace, while Yamakoshi and Beeton filled the remaining top five spots.
The combined results created a front row of Clerot and De Palo, ensuring a fascinating head-to-head for Race 1. Just behind them, Deligny and Al Dhaheri formed a second row brimming with promise, while Slater and Giltaire occupied the third row. The results confirmed once again that qualifying margins remained tiny, with several drivers missing higher positions by mere hundredths of a second.
Race 1: De Palo leads the back to regain Championship lead
The first race at the Hungaroring unfolded as a masterclass from pole-sitter De Palo, who converted his starting advantage into a lights-to-flag victory. The Italian driver controlled proceedings from the outset, setting the fastest lap in the process and never allowing his rivals a serious opportunity to challenge. The result marked his second win of the season and propelled him back to the top of the standings, underlining his growing momentum.
Behind him, Clerot delivered another impressive drive to secure second, his third consecutive podium finish, which consolidated his rise into the top four of the championship. Deligny also enjoyed a strong outing, climbing a place early and pressuring Clerot throughout but ultimately settling for third, his third podium of the campaign.
Prema Racing claimed fourth and fifth, with Al Dhaheri and Slater engaged in a close intra-team battle that ended in that order. Yamakoshi brought home sixth for Van Amersfoort Racing, while Giltaire managed seventh after a determined recovery. Bohra, Bhirombhakdi, and Bedrin initially completed the top ten, though the latter’s five-second penalty for forcing Beeton off track demoted him outside the points. Gowda benefited to claim tenth overall and once again top the rookie classification.
The race saw two safety car interventions: the first following contact between Borgna and Al Maosherji, and the second late on when Robinson stopped at Turn 1. Despite these interruptions, De Palo’s dominance remained unquestioned, while penalties and disqualification for Bedrin reshuffled the order post-race.
Qualifying 2: Deligny on top after stunning lap
The second qualifying session added another twist to the unfolding narrative. This time, Deligny struck back by securing his maiden pole position in the championship, delivering a stunning lap of 1:37.296 – the fastest of the entire weekend. His effort confirmed his intent to challenge at the sharp end of the standings and rewarded R-ace GP’s relentless pursuit of pace.
Group B had opened proceedings, with De Palo once again featuring prominently. The Trident driver initially set the pace but was edged out by Al Dhaheri, who claimed the group’s top spot with a time of 1:37.781. De Palo settled for second in the group, only 0.058 seconds adrift, while Kanato Le impressed with third. Rookie Gowda placed fourth but received a grid penalty, handing fifth in the group to Giltaire.
Group A then witnessed Deligny’s heroics, with Slater pushing him all the way but ultimately missing out by just over a tenth. Bohra delivered third in the group, while Belov and Clerot completed the top five. The outcome left Deligny on pole alongside Slater, with Al Dhaheri and De Palo forming row two.
The session once again highlighted the remarkable spread of talent across teams and nationalities, as seasoned drivers and rookies alike battled within tenths. The stage was set for a thrilling Race 2, with the leading quartet separated by little more than a blink of an eye.
Race 2: Deligny disqualified, Slater inherits the win
The second race of the Hungaroring weekend provided further drama and a new winner. Slater, starting from third, made a decisive early move on teammate Al Dhaheri to seize second. He then capitalised on Deligny’s misfortune when the Frenchman, who had led confidently from pole, suffered a technical issue that bunched up the field. Slater struck quickly, taking the lead and holding firm under pressure to claim his second victory of the season.
Al Dhaheri, though briefly challenged, retained second place to secure a crucial double podium for Prema Racing. Deligny initially crossed the line in third but faced disqualification for unsafe conduct while returning to parc fermé. Consequently, De Palo inherited third, further boosting his points haul and championship lead.
Bohra delivered fourth for R-ace GP, while Giltaire completed the top five. Kanato Le impressed with sixth, while Belov showed his experience with a strong seventh for CL Motorsport. Yamakoshi and Clerot engaged in a fierce battle, eventually finishing eighth and tenth respectively, split by Kato in ninth.
The rookie classification produced further intrigue. Gowda initially claimed the honours but received a time penalty for contact with Nakamura. This promoted Eyckmans, who capped his impressive weekend with silverware. By the end of the event, De Palo held 122 points, narrowly ahead of Slater on 118, as the title battle intensified heading towards the next round.
Duel at the Top: De Palo seizes the lead
The 2025 FRECA title fight shifted gears in Hungary as Matteo De Palo rose to the top of the standings. The Trident driver converted pole into victory in Race 1 and followed up with a podium in Race 2, leaving the Hungaroring with 122 points and a four-point cushion over Freddie Slater. His calm control under pressure and consistent qualifying form now set him apart as the man to beat.
Slater, who had led coming into Round 4, now finds himself in pursuit. Although he struck back with a commanding win in Race 2, his points deficit stems from a modest fifth place in Race 1. With just four points separating the pair, their rivalry is shaping into one of the closest duels in recent FRECA history.
Behind the front-runners, Enzo Deligny remains third on 90 points despite a costly disqualification. Pedro Clerot and Evan Giltaire sit in striking distance with 84 and 83 points respectively, both showing speed but needing greater consistency. Yamakoshi holds sixth on 70, while Rashid Al Dhaheri climbs to seventh on 57 after a strong weekend. The rest of the top ten — Bohra, Kato, and Le — continue to quietly collect points, ensuring the midfield remains equally tense.
Prema edges clear in Teams’ Fight
Hungary marked a decisive swing in the teams’ battle, with Prema Racing consolidating its authority at the top of the standings. With 190 points, boosted by Slater’s victory and Al Dhaheri’s steady run of form, the Italian squad proved its depth of talent. Prema’s dual-pronged scoring power has become a crucial advantage in a championship where every point matters.
Van Amersfoort Racing, however, remain a dangerous threat. Clerot’s podium and Yamakoshi’s consistency ensured the Dutch outfit retained second with 164 points. Yet, their inability to match Prema’s combined results allowed the gap to grow. A breakthrough win from either Clerot or Yamakoshi could tilt the balance back in their favour in the coming rounds.
R-ace GP, third on 146, endured a frustrating Hungarian outing as Deligny’s disqualification overshadowed his strong pace. Bohra’s resilience prevented greater losses, but the French team must find consistency across all drivers to close in on the leaders. ART Grand Prix, on 134, continue to hover within striking distance thanks to Giltaire and Le’s efforts.
Trident, fifth on 128 points, rely heavily on De Palo, who almost single-handedly sustains their campaign. Meanwhile, Saintéloc Racing, CL Motorsport, and RPM continue to chase midfield success, with Belov and Eyckmans ensuring their squads remain visible in the points.
Drivers’ standings after Round 4 (Hungaroring) of the 2025 FRECA
- Matteo De Palo – 122 points
- Freddie Slater – 118 points
- Enzo Deligny – 90 points
- Pedro Clerot – 84 points
- Evan Giltaire – 83 points
- Hiyu Yamakoshi – 70 points
- Rashid Al Dhaheri – 57 points
- Akshay Bohra – 41 points
- Taito Kato – 32 points
- Kanato Le – 22 points
- Jack Beeton – 21 points
- Dion Gowda – 18 points
- Jin Nakamura – 17 points
- Nikita Bedrin – 17 points
- Nandhavud Bhirombhakdi – 6 points
- Michael Belov – 6 points
- Giovanni Maschio – 4 points
Teams’ standings after Round 4 (Hungaroring) of the 2025 FRECA
- Prema Racing – 190 points
- Van Amersfoort Racing – 164 points
- R-ace GP – 146 points
- ART Grand Prix – 134 points
- Trident – 128 points
- Saintéloc Racing – 17 points
- CL Motorsport – 6 points
- RPM – 4 points
