Nikita Bedrin Leads the way at Hockenheim in the opening session

The Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine fired up its engines this morning at Hockenheim, the circuit hosting the last Pre Season Collective Test of the year. On the German track, 33 cars took to the wet and variable weather conditions, with rain falling until just before the session began, leaving the track wet in places and causing some drivers to go off track, leading to a series of red flags.

Setting the pace in the first session was Nikita Bedrin who clocked a time of 1’37″377. Close behind the MP Motorsport standard-bearer was Brando Badoer (Van Amersfoort Racing), who was among the fastest not only in Barcelona but also at Paul Ricard. The Italian newcomer was also quick in the first German session, finishing just over three tenths behind the leader. The morning also went well for Brazilian Rafael Camara, who was the fastest of the Prema Racing drivers, less than half a second off Bedrin’s pace. Roman Bilinski also made his mark, with the Trident team’s driver securing the fourth fastest time ahead of James Wharton (Prema Racing) and Valerio Rinicella (MP Motorsport), who were fifth and sixth respectively.

The seventh time was posted by Ugo Ugochukwu (Prema Racing), ahead of VAR’s Ivan Domingues and Pedro Clerot. Rounding out the top 10 was Kanato Le (G4 Racing), while the two women competing for the Iron Dames team, which has just joined the international series, also shone. In her official debut at the wheel of a Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine car, Dorian Pin demonstrated good form by completing 19 laps this morning, while Marta Garcia, who had already taken part in the two previous tests and registered the 22nd time this morning.