The seventh round of the 2025 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) came to a dramatic conclusion at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, with Van Amersfoort Racing’s Pedro Clerot converting pole into victory in Race 2. The Brazilian produced a commanding performance, fending off early pressure before stretching out a decisive lead to secure his second win of the season.
Clerot in control from start to finish
Lining up from pole after his stellar qualifying effort, Clerot had to contend with R-ace GP’s Enzo Deligny at the launch. The Frenchman challenged through the opening corners, forcing Clerot to defend robustly before settling into rhythm. Once clear of the initial battle, Clerot steadily built an advantage, managing his tyres and pace with maturity.
By the chequered flag, Clerot had carved out a gap of more than 2.7 seconds, underlining both his raw speed and the strength of Van Amersfoort Racing’s package around the Austrian circuit.
Pedro Clerot said afterwards: “I’m over the moon. I’m very happy to finally put a really good Sunday together. It reminds me a little of Zandvoort. We were unbelievably quick right from the start. Once I got clear of Enzo, I could open a gap and had very good pace. In the middle of the race I was managing, then pushed again at the end. We’ve been strong all weekend. These are very good points for the championship, and I’m happy to bring this win to the team, they deserve it. The next tracks are good for us and suit me as a driver. I had very good results there last year, so I’m really looking forward to them. Hopefully, we can bring some more wins.”
Deligny maintains podium momentum
Behind Clerot, Enzo Deligny confirmed his rising form by scoring another strong result for R-ace GP. After finishing third in Race 1, the Frenchman added second place in Race 2 to complete a double podium weekend.
His start saw him run side-by-side with Clerot, with the pair duelling up to Turn 3. Deligny attempted a switchback on exit but was pushed wide onto the grass, costing him momentum. Though he remained in touch, Clerot’s superior pace prevented a late challenge. Nevertheless, Deligny’s consistent results keep him firmly in the championship mix.
Speaking after the race, he said, “The start was interesting. I felt I had a good run on him, and at the exit of Turn 3 I tried to switch back. Unfortunately, I lost some momentum as I was pushed onto the grass. We did a good job afterwards, but he was faster than us. P2 is still a good result. Red Bull Ring is always a track where a lot can happen, so to leave with two podiums is definitely positive.”
Nakamura celebrates maiden podium
Completing the podium was Deligny’s R-ace GP teammate, Jin Nakamura. The Japanese driver impressed with a bold move on the opening lap, engaging in a three-way fight with Prema’s Rashid Al Dhaheri and ART Grand Prix’s Evan Giltaire. By holding his nerve, Nakamura secured third and with it his first podium of the 2025 season.
“I’m happy with this result. It’s my first podium of the season. Yesterday I wasn’t too happy, even though I had a lot of battles starting from P28. Today was not easy, but it was a fantastic weekend,” he said after the race.
Slater regains championship lead
Freddie Slater finished fourth on the road but was elevated further in the points standings thanks to Giltaire’s misfortune. The Frenchman had been running ahead in fourth place but was penalised five seconds for a false start, dropping him to seventh in the classification.
Slater’s result was enough to propel the Prema Racing driver back into the lead of the championship, regaining the advantage he had lost to Matteo De Palo after Race 1. Slater now holds a slender three-point margin heading to Barcelona.
De Palo’s Race 2 was one to forget. Starting further down the order after a compromised qualifying, the Trident driver was squeezed onto the grass by R-ace GP’s Akshay Bohra at the start. The incident damaged his race, and he was forced to retire shortly after. Bohra finished 12th but was handed a five-place grid penalty for the next round as a result of the clash.
Al Dhaheri shows speed, Francot tops rookies
Prema’s Rashid Al Dhaheri continued to display front-running pace, securing fifth place and recording the fastest lap of the race with a 1:26.931. His teammate Jack Beeton followed him home in sixth, while Giltaire’s penalty relegated him to seventh.
Nikita Bedrin, winner of Race 1 for Saintéloc Racing, took eighth, just ahead of Trident’s Nandhavud Bhirombhakdi in ninth. The final point went to RPM’s Reno Francot in tenth, who also claimed the rookie podium.
A tight title fight continues
With the Red Bull Ring weekend complete, the FRECA title battle remains finely poised. Slater leads De Palo by just three points, 198 to 195, while Clerot’s victory vaults him firmly back into contention. Deligny, buoyed by his double podium, also strengthens his championship standing as the series moves on to Barcelona.
