The 2025 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) served up another tense and demanding race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. With tyre wear proving a decisive factor and overtaking opportunities limited, drivers needed to balance aggression with control. Enzo Deligny took the win, Pedro Clerot demonstrated relentless pace, Akshay Bhora recovered strong form, and rookie Dion Gowda continued his impressive rise. Their reflections capture the pressure, strategy, and determination driving the championship forward.
Deligny strikes back after Saturday retirement
Enzo Deligny of R-ace GP emerged victorious with his third win of the season. The French driver turned Saturday’s disappointment into motivation, managing the race from the front under sustained pressure.
“It was quite a tricky race with a lot of tyre degradation and Pedro pushing really hard, so it wasn’t easy. I tried to manage things well, not overworking the tyres and keeping the sliding under control, and in the end the pace was still strong.”
His recovery after the previous day’s early retirement proved particularly satisfying, but Deligny stressed that the title fight remained wide open, with little to separate the leading contenders.
“I’m really happy to take my third win of the season, especially as it’s the perfect way to bounce back after yesterday, when a small contact in the fight for the lead ended my race immediately. Of course that was tough for the championship, but now Pedro and I are right there together, and with four races still to go we’ll push hard to catch Matteo [De Palo] and Freddie [Slater]. With all four of us so close on pace, everything is still possible.”
Clerot confident in momentum
Pedro Clerot of Van Amersfoort Racing once again proved his speed, finishing second but taking encouragement from his consistent results and strong pace. The Brazilian emphasised that consistency, not just individual victories, matters most as the season nears its climax.
“I think we showed once again that we were the fastest car on track. Of course it’s a bit frustrating not to take the win, but I’m happy with the points we scored. For the second weekend in a row we’ve collected the most points overall, which proves the pace is there and that we are moving in the right direction. We’re getting stronger with every race, and the championship fight is fully on, I feel ready for it.”
Looking ahead, Clerot is eager for the next round at one of his strongest circuits.
“Now I’m really looking forward to Hockenheim, one of my favourite circuits, where I’ve always been fast. Hopefully we can keep fighting at the front, score more valuable points, and take the battle all the way to Monza.”
Bhora back on form
Akshay Bhora, also of R-ace GP, fought from the opening lap and held firm under pressure to secure an important result. For him, Barcelona represented a turning point after recent setbacks. The Indian driver reflected on the challenges he has faced in recent rounds, and the satisfaction of finally reversing that trend.
“It was a really tricky race where I was fighting from the very first lap, but in the end I’m happy we managed to bring home a strong result. After a difficult day yesterday and also a tough weekend at the Red Bull Ring, it feels good to bounce back. The battles towards the end were intense, but I focused on defending well, keeping it clean, and making sure I held my position until the finish.”
His words reflected a renewed determination to stabilise his campaign and return to consistent points finishes.
Gowda continues rookie rise
For rookie Dion Gowda of Van Amersfoort Racing, Barcelona marked another milestone. With a strong start and disciplined race management, he secured his second rookie win of the weekend. The result reinforced his status as one of the standout rookies of the season.
“It was a tough race because overtaking here in Barcelona is never easy, but I made a good start, gained a couple of positions early on, and then managed to hold my place until the end. I’m happy to come away with another rookie win, which is really positive for the season.”
Gowda also turned his attention to Germany, where a new challenge awaits.
“Now we head to Hockenheim, a track I’ve never raced at before but one that looks great to drive. I’ll prepare as much as possible with the simulator and with the team, and then we’ll see how things unfold in Germany and later in Monza.”
Eyes on Hockenheim
Barcelona reinforced the intensity of this year’s FRECA battle. Deligny’s ability to respond under pressure, Clerot’s confidence in his momentum, Bhora’s return to form, and Gowda’s continued rookie success illustrate the depth of competition.
The championship now moves to Hockenheim from 3–5 October, alongside the prestigious DTM weekend. With only two rounds remaining, every race, every point, and every strategic decision will shape who ultimately emerges as champion.
