The final round of the 2025 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) began under dramatic skies at Monza with the Pre-Event Collective Test. Heavy rain struck the Temple of Speed early in the afternoon, delaying the start of the single Pre-Event Collective Test session. However, as the clouds parted and the circuit began to dry, the drivers finally ventured out to begin their preparations for the decisive weekend of the season.
Deligny sets the early benchmark
As conditions improved, Enzo Deligny of R-ace GP made an immediate statement. The French driver, still in mathematical contention for the championship, set the fastest lap of the session. His commanding pace placed him ahead of series leader Freddie Slater of Prema Racing, who remains the favourite to clinch the title with a 30-point advantage over Deligny and a narrow four-point cushion over Matteo De Palo of Trident Motorsport.
The performance confirmed Deligny’s determination to fight until the very end. Moreover, his early form suggested that the battle for the crown would remain fierce throughout the weekend.
Rookies shine in mixed conditions
Rookie sensation Dion Gowda continued to impress as he claimed third place in the damp-drying session. The Van Amersfoort Racing driver, already leading the Rookie standings, demonstrated composure and adaptability on a tricky surface. His speed underlined his progress across the season and his readiness to challenge the more experienced front-runners.
Strong showings from Van Amersfoort, ART and RPM
Van Amersfoort Racing enjoyed a productive afternoon, placing two cars in the top four as Pedro Clerot secured fourth place behind his teammate Gowda. Meanwhile, ART Grand Prix’s Taito Kato rounded out the top five, showing consistent form ahead of the weekend’s qualifying sessions.
RPM emerged as a surprise performer. Giovanni Maschio delivered a strong sixth position, while series newcomer Tomass Štolcermanis impressed on debut with seventh place, signalling immediate promise in his first FRECA outing.
Further down the order, Evan Giltaire placed eighth for ART Grand Prix, followed by Hiyu Yamakoshi of Van Amersfoort Racing in ninth. Saintéloc Racing’s James Egozi completed the top ten, while his teammate Nikita Bedrin narrowly missed the group in 11th. RPM’s Jan Przyrowski rounded out the top twelve.
Momentum builds toward historic finale
After a rain-affected start to proceedings, teams will look to refine their setups under more stable conditions. The first Collective Test is scheduled for Friday at 09:20 CET, offering another crucial opportunity for drivers to optimise performance before qualifying and the all-important races.
As Monza dries out and anticipation grows, the stage is set for one of the most dramatic conclusions in FRECA history. With the Drivers’ and Teams’ Championships still undecided, and the series preparing to celebrate its 100th race, every session now carries championship-defining importance.
