The Zandvoort weekend will remain etched in the memory of fans and drivers of the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine, who received a warm embrace from the crowd that filled the stands and paddock of the Dutch circuit.
A special treatment that was repaid by the protagonists of the championship organized by ACI Sport and Alpine Racing, with an exciting race this afternoon won by Rafael Camara. The Prema Racing driver, after starting from pole, stayed in command from start to finish thanks to a perfect pace that allowed him to celebrate his sixth victory in the international series. Behind the young Ferrari Driver Academy standout, who thus confirms his leadership in the championship standings, was a very fast Brando Badoer securing the second step of the podium. The Italian driver provided great satisfaction for the home team, Van Amersfoort Racing, which could thus celebrate Badoer’s first podium in the European series.
Great satisfaction also in the ART Grand Prix camp thanks to the third consecutive placement of Alessandro Giusti. The Williams Academy driver, after a perfect start, skillfully remained with the leading group, closing in on Badoer in the final stages and unsuccessfully attempting to secure the runner-up position. Behind the leading trio, a fierce duel for fourth place unfolded between Noah Strømsted (RPM) and Saturday’s race winner Tuukka Taponen (R-ace GP), who on more than one occasion found the door closed and ended up on the grass in an attempt to pass the Danish driver. Strømsted managed to hold his position, securing his fourth rookie class victory in a highly competitive and exciting season.
The race also required the intervention of the safety car, caused by the car of British newcomer John Bennet (KIC Motorsport), which stopped in a dangerous position. Upon resumption, Camara extended his lead, while the battle for the top 5 heated up, with Pedro Clerot (Van Amersfoort Racing) managing to grab an important fifth place, passing Taponen who eventually finished sixth under the checkered flag. Seventh place went to Ivan Domingues, who came under the spotlight for a contact involving James Wharton (Prema Racing), who experienced an unfortunate weekend. Eighth place was secured by Enzo Peugeot (Sainteloc Racing), who had a flawless race. Noteworthy was Nikita Bedrin, who made a remarkable comeback, climbing 10 positions. The MP Motorsport driver, starting from nineteenth on the grid, finished ninth ahead of Ugo Ugochukwu (Prema Racing). The American McLaren Driver Development driver put on a show in the final stages to remain in the top 10, while ART Grand Prix’s Evan Giltaire had to settle for eleventh place.
The standings and the result of Race 2 will remain provisional, subject to technical checks on parts of car number 15 (Brando Badoer), for additional verifications that will take place in the coming days at the constructor’s facility.
The international series will return to action in two weeks at the Hungaroring track, taking place over the weekend of June 22-23.
Rafael Camara (Prema Racing)
“This victory is very important for the championship. It wasn’t an easy race because I constantly felt the pressure from the group behind me. I stayed focused to avoid making mistakes, especially when we were close. Eventually, I managed to pull away and in the last laps, I had to manage the advantage to bring the podium home. I am very happy for the team. Together we did a great job. We need to keep working hard this way and stay on this path. Now I have to prepare for Hungary, where we will race in two weeks. Preparation will be key to maximizing all possible points.”
Brando Badoer (Van Amersfoort Racing)
“I am very happy to have achieved my first podium in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine. It was a good race, but also very tough. I had to push to the limit from start to finish, managing the pressure from the cars behind. I am happy for both myself and the team with whom I achieved this important trophy.”
Alessandro Giusti (ART Grand Prix)
“It was a good race despite some disappointment from this morning’s qualifying session due to a red flag that prevented me from improving. In the race, I gave my best, starting with a good start where I managed to stay third behind Brando for the entire race. It’s difficult to overtake on this track, I tried but it wasn’t possible. Now I am already focused on the Hungaroring, where I hope to do even better.”