The 2025 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) arrives at its penultimate round with the championship fight hanging in the balance. As FRECA heads to Hockenheim, four drivers remain firmly in contention for the 2025 crown, while a tight midfield battle continues to simmer beneath them. With every point now critical, the iconic German circuit promises drama, strategy, and potential title-defining moments.
Slater vs De Palo in Championship deadlock
At the top of the standings, Freddie Slater and Matteo De Palo are locked in a fierce duel. Both sit on 226 points, reflecting a season of relentless pace and consistent execution. Slater, racing for Prema Racing, has combined calculated aggression with maturity beyond his years. Meanwhile, De Palo, representing Trident Motorsport, has answered every challenge with equal precision and grit.
As they enter Hockenheim, neither driver can afford a misstep. A single pole position, fastest lap, or even a defensive manoeuvre could swing momentum. With just two rounds left, their head-to-head continues to captivate fans and keep teams on edge.
Deligny and Clerot in hot pursuit
Just 28 points behind the leaders, Enzo Deligny and Pedro Clerot remain very much in the title mix. Deligny, racing for R-ace GP, enters the round fresh from a dominant win at Barcelona. That victory not only reignited his campaign but also confirmed his ability to rise under pressure.
On the other hand, Clerot has relied on remarkable consistency. Driving for Van Amersfoort Racing, he has claimed victories at Zandvoort and the Red Bull Ring, and rarely finishes outside the top six. With both drivers tied on 198 points, a strong weekend at Hockenheim could catapult them into genuine contention heading into the finale at Monza.
Moreover, team strategies now take centre stage. Whether it’s pit lane tactics or intra-team coordination, the margin for error has evaporated entirely.
Bohra and Giltaire eye strong finish
Behind the top four, Akshay Bohra and Evan Giltaire sit fifth and sixth in the standings with 133 and 125 points, respectively. Although the title may be a long shot, both drivers remain focused on securing podiums and ending the season on a high.
Bohra, Deligny’s teammate at R-ace GP, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the year, particularly on technical circuits. Giltaire, representing ART Grand Prix, continues to impress with his racecraft and ability to capitalise on chaotic races.
Furthermore, their performances could significantly impact the championship by influencing outcomes in qualifying sessions and wheel-to-wheel battles with the title contenders.
Midfield gathers momentum as rising rookies show promise
The midfield remains tightly contested, with drivers like Rashid Al Dhaheri (95 pts), Hiyu Yamakoshi (86 pts), and Taito Kato (71 pts) all looking to break into the top eight. Al Dhaheri, in particular, will aim to leverage Prema Racing’s pace to secure a strong team result in support of Slater’s title bid.
Meanwhile, Nikita Bedrin and Jin Nakamura are deadlocked on 64 points. Their parallel campaigns have featured impressive comebacks and valuable team contributions. Both remain keen to climb the order before the season draws to a close.
Among the rookies, Dion Gowda leads the way with 22 points, edging out Michael Belov, who sits on 21. Gowda’s consistency has proven vital for Van Amersfoort Racing, while Belov’s experience has bolstered CL Motorsport’s efforts throughout the year.
Although they may not be in the title conversation, their progress marks them as potential breakout stars for future seasons. Every session at Hockenheim offers them a chance to make an impression on team bosses and fans alike.
Hockenheim weekend schedule
The Hockenheim round presents a demanding format. Two Collective Tests kick off proceedings on Friday at 09:00 and 13:23, giving teams crucial setup time before the unusually late Qualifying 1 session at 17:25.
On Saturday, Qualifying 2 begins at 10:10, setting the grid for Race 2. Race 1 takes place later that day at 16:35, where the first vital points of the weekend will be contested. The event concludes on Sunday morning, with Race 2 scheduled for 10:20.
Given the tight schedule and unpredictable autumn weather in Germany, adaptability will be as important as outright speed. Teams and drivers must maximise every session.
The final push begins
As FRECA prepares for its penultimate chapter, the pressure intensifies. Hockenheim will likely set the tone for the showdown at Monza. Whether it’s Slater or De Palo who edges ahead—or if Deligny or Clerot throw a late spanner into the works—remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: every lap, every pit stop, and every overtaking move could define the 2025 FRECA champion. The battle is wide open, and Hockenheim is ready.