The Paul Ricard circuit buzzed with activity in the afternoon as the 32 single-seaters returned to the track for the second pre-season collective test of the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine. Finnish driver Tuukka Taponen showcased his solid aptitude around the French track’s corners, clocking the fastest lap time of 1’57”492 in his R-ace GP car.
Théophile Naël of Sainteloc Racing and Brando Badoer (Van Amersfoort Racing) also delivered strong performances, finishing the session second and third on the timesheets, both within 90 hundredths of Taponen’s pace. ART Grand Prix’s Evan Giltaire was hot on their heels with the fourth fastest time, just ahead of Enzo Deligny of R-ace GP. The afternoon session also saw impressive runs from James Wharton of Prema Racing in sixth, followed by Pedro Clerot of Van Amersfoort Racing and Zachary David of R-ace GP.
Rounding out the top 10 were Rafel Camara from Prema Racing and Noah Strømsted of RPM, with Camara setting the best time of the day in the morning session.
The international series will hit the track again tomorrow morning at 9.00 am for the second day of the French test.