Prema Racing’s Dino Beganovic claimed his first Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine victory in the opener race of the weekend at Monza.

The heavy rain has not scared the Sweden racer, who headed Michael Belov (MP Motorsport). R-ace GP’s Lorenzo Fluxa completed the podium with a battling drive to the third place. The Spaniard claimed his first podium finish after contending the position with teammate Hadrien David. The French finished fourth ahead of Kas Haverkort (Van Amersfoort Racing).

Gabriel Bortoleto (R-ace GP) was sixth ahead of Mari Boya (ART Grand Prix), with Sebastian Montoya emerging among the 20 rookies to take the eighth overall position.

Sami Meguetounif (MP Motorsport) finished ninth. Some post race penalties promoted Trident Motorsport’s Leonardo Fornaroli to the tenth position.

The race was slowed by three safety car periods. The first one due to the contact between Laurens van Hoepen (ART Grand Prix) and Eduardo Barrichello (Arden Motorsport). It forced the Brazilian to return to the pits while the Dutchman had to retire. At the restart, second placed Gabriele Minì hit the rear of the leader’s car. After a short pit stop the Italian made a great recovery from the back of the field to the fifteenth position.

“It’s a good way to start the season – said Beganovic – It was a tricky race and we had to be careful with the brakes and the traction. I’m happy for this result. Tomorrow we hope to confirm another good performance”.

The Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine field will be back in action for the second qualifying at 09.25am tomorrow. Live timing will be available throughout the day, while qualifying and Race 2 (02.05pm) will be live streamed on official YouTube and Facebook of the series (links at formularegionaleubyalpine.com).

YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCrCEln9HtJvw5TDIDli1Rwg 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FormulaRegionalEUbyAlpine/