James Wharton wins Race 2 as Rafael Camara is crowned FRECA Champion
The weekend at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will remain memorable for fans of the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine, as Rafael Camara secured the championship title. The Brazilian driver needed only a fourth-place finish to claim the season crown, with one round still left to race. The Ferrari Driver Academy star becomes the fourth driver to inscribe his name on the series’ roll of honor and the first Brazilian to win the championship organized by ACI Sport and Alpine Racing. Camara’s season includes 6 victories, two second places, and two third-place finishes.
Adding to the perfect weekend for Prema Racing was the double victory by James Wharton, who dominated the entire Spanish round, securing both pole positions and winning both races. His triumphs played a vital role in Prema Racing’s team title, which the Grisignano di Zocco-based squad claimed earlier in the weekend. Wharton led the race from start to finish, opening a significant gap to the field. His victory also allowed him to leapfrog Tuukka Taponen (R-ace GP) in the standings after the Finnish driver was eliminated at the first corner, through no fault of his own, following a multi-car collision triggered by a clash between Brando Badoer (Van Amersfoort Racing), who received a 10-second penalty, and Matteo De Palo (Saintéloc Racing), which also forced the retirement of both De Palo and Ruiqi Liu (Trident). The incident brought out the safety car to clear the three cars. Once the race resumed, Wharton extended his lead, followed by Alessandro Giusti (ART Grand Prix) and Pedro Clerot (Van Amersfoort Racing), who engaged in an exciting battle for second place. In the end, the French driver held on to the runner-up spot, while the Brazilian Clerot celebrated a well-earned third place and a victory in the rookie standings.
Camara delivered a flawless race, holding on to fourth place throughout, securing his championship title. Just behind the newly crowned champion was Kanato Le (G4 Racing), who recorded his best result of the season in Spain. The fight for sixth place was equally thrilling, with Noah Strømsted (RPM) ultimately edging out Enzo Peugeot (Saintéloc Racing), who had to settle for seventh. Due to post-race 10-second penalties for using push-to-pass prematurely after the safety car, handed to Théophile Naël and Evan Giltaire (ART Grand Prix), the top 10 was completed by Ugo Ugochukwu (Prema Racing), Enzo Deligny (R-ace GP), and Ivan Domingues (Van Amersfoort Racing).
The international series will return to action in three weeks at the Temple of Speed in Monza (October 26-27) for the season finale, where the rookie title will also be decided.
Rafael Camara – Prema Racing
“It will take me some time to fully realize what happened this weekend. We worked hard with the team to achieve what has been an unforgettable season. We were consistent, except for the Red Bull Ring, where we faced some issues, but we bounced back in the best way for the championship. Today, I can proudly say we did it.”
James Wharton – Prema Racing
“I love this track where I’ve had some great wins, and the victories this weekend helped me move up to second in the championship. I also have to thank Rafael for the great work we did this year, which allowed us to achieve important results. Now, we need to keep fighting like this for the last two races of the year: Monza awaits us.”
Alessandro Giusti – ART Grand Prix
“I’m definitely happier than yesterday, thanks to the improvements we made in qualifying and the race. This turnaround allowed us to be competitive again and secure an important second-place finish.”
Pedro Clerot – Van Amersfoort Racing
“My weekend didn’t start in the best way, and honestly, I didn’t expect to end up on the podium today. After the retirement in Race 1, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but we found a good balance and pace. This track doesn’t make overtaking easy, but in the end, I’m satisfied with this podium finish.”