Race 1 for the third round of the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine season was held on Saturday morning at Monte Carlo. Both JD Motorsport drivers were new to the iconic street circuit, and they only had one practice to learn it, the 50-minute Free session scheduled on Thursday. Then, they immediately had to face the qualifying session, which is crucial in Monaco since overtaking is virtually impossible. 

Eduardo Barrichello was able to set the 10th fastest lap time in his group, while Tommy Smith was 13th and only managed to qualify for Sunday’s main race, scheduled just before the Formula 1 Grand Prix. 

Unfortunately, Barrichello suffered from a mechanical problem on the grid for race 1 and had to pit at the end of the opening lap. After a fast repair, he got back to the track, gaining vital experience ahead of race 2.