The Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine engines roared back to life this morning at Monza for the penultimate qualifying session of the season. As tradition dictates for the championship promoted and organised by ACI Sport and Alpine Racing, an intense battle unfolded for the first pole position of the weekend, with both the Drivers’ and Teams’ titles still up for grabs.
The Tatuus T-318 cars were the first to hit the track, with Group A opening the session. Championship leader Freddie Slater (Prema Racing) initially set the pace with a best lap of 1:44.576, only to be beaten in the dying moments by Evan Giltare (ART Grand Prix), who stopped the clock at an impressive 1:44.172 in Group B, securing the overall pole position. Slater will nevertheless start this afternoon’s Race 1 from the front row.
Behind the British driver in Group A came Taito Kato (ART Grand Prix), who outpaced Rashid Al Dhaheri (Prema Racing) for second in the group. Enzo Deligny (R-ace GP), one of the contenders for the 2025 title, will line up on the fourth row, while Jack Beeton (Prema Racing) impressed early on, eventually securing fifth. Nikita Bedrin (Saintéloc Racing) and Edu Robinson (G4 Racing) completed the session in sixth and seventh respectively.
In Group B, the spotlight belonged to Evan Giltare, who sealed his second pole position of the year, following his success at Misano. Pedro Clerot (Van Amersfoort Racing) was second, followed by a determined Nandhavud Bhirombhakdi (Trident Motorsport) in third. His teammate Matteo De Palo, also firmly in contention for the 2025 crown and just four points behind Slater, set the fourth fastest time but received a two-place grid penalty, dropping him to ninth on the grid alongside Beeton.
A special mention goes to Jan Przyrowski (RPM), who impressed on his first appearance in the championship by posting the fifth fastest time in Group B.
Evan Giltare (ART Grand Prix)
“I’m really happy to take my second pole position of the season, especially here in Monza. We did an amazing job as a team managing the tyres and pressures in such cold conditions, and I was able to put everything together on the final lap. It was tricky to find grip at first, but the key was to warm up the tyres and be ready right at the end. I’m really looking forward to the race. Winning in Monza would be something special.”
Freddie Slater (Prema Racing)
“It was a really positive session. We had two good days of testing, strong in the wet on Thursday and again in the dry yesterday. This morning was very different with the cold temperatures, so we all had to adapt quickly. There were still some damp patches at a few corners, but I focused on building my rhythm lap by lap. Now it’s about doing the job in the races – getting a good start and fighting for the win.”
All eyes are now on Race 1, which could prove decisive in shaping the outcome of the 2025 season. The race gets underway at 12:50 (CET) and will be broadcast live on ACI Sport TV (Sky channel 228), on the networks covering the series, and on the official Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine YouTube channel.
