The 2025 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) title fight intensified in Barcelona as Prema Racing’s Freddie Slater beat Trident’s Matteo De Palo to pole position for Race 1 of Round 8 by just 0.029s. The pair will line up together on the front row for Race 1, separated by the narrowest of margins after an intense qualifying session.
Slater’s view from pole
Slater emerged quickest in Group A, setting a 1:35.250 to secure overall pole. The Briton, who continues to lead the championship, acknowledged the fine margins at play in Barcelona.
“It’s great to start the weekend with another pole here in Barcelona, a nice way to get the job done this morning. The margins are incredibly small at the top, so you really need to focus on every detail because even the slightest mistake can make the difference.”
The Prema driver was quick to point out that qualifying is only the first step, with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya known for its high tyre wear. He warned that race pace management could prove more decisive than outright one-lap speed.
“Degradation will be an important factor in the race, as it always is here, and the long run to Turn 1 could make the start quite chaotic. I’ve also heard the weather might play a role tomorrow, but we’ll just have to maximise what we can today and be ready for whatever comes. Of course, the goal is to try and win.”
Slater’s focus remains firmly on execution. His comments reveal a mix of caution and confidence, knowing that Barcelona’s conditions often deliver unpredictable races.
De Palo’s response from the front row
De Palo had led much of the build-up to qualifying, topping all three practice sessions before producing a 1:35.279 in Group B. Though narrowly missing out on pole, the Italian took positives from starting alongside his championship rival.
“We were really quick here in Barcelona, especially after being fastest in all three practice sessions, so I felt very confident going into qualifying. It’s a bit of a shame to miss overall pole by just a couple of thousandths, but we still start from the front row which is very positive.”
Like Slater, De Palo highlighted the importance of the start. The run to Turn 1 is one of the longest on the calendar, and with overtaking difficult, track position will be key.
“The start will be critical, as the run to Turn 1 is long and overtaking during the race isn’t easy on this track. Still, I’m confident we have the pace to fight at the front and I believe we can go for the win.”
The Trident driver’s words show a balance of determination and optimism. He recognises the challenge of losing out by such a small margin but remains convinced that his team’s race pace can make the difference.
Margins that matter
With Slater and De Palo both aware of the challenges ahead for Race 1 in Barcelona, their quotes illustrate the knife-edge competition at the front of the 2025 FRECA grid. Slater speaks with the composure of a points leader focused on limiting mistakes, while De Palo strikes a confident tone, keen to convert his strong weekend speed into victory.
The long drag to the opening corner promises tension when the lights go out. Add in tyre degradation and the possibility of changing weather, and Barcelona looks set to provide another dramatic chapter in the championship fight.
