Race 1: Colapinto converts pole into victory in Valencia

This one should not be taken away from him! Two weeks after being stripped of one of his two victories at Red Bull Ring after receiving, like many other drivers, a time penalty, Franco Colapinto took the first victory of the FRECA meeting in Valencia this Saturday. The Argentinian confirmed his current good form by crossing the finish line as winner for the third time in a row, after a very difficult first part of the season. 

No points for Saucy

As is often the case in the category, it was at the start that everything was decided and the MP Motorsport driver also let go of the controls of the race for a few seconds. Situated on the outside of the first line, Colapinto immediately shifted left inside to take the inside line from David Vidales (Prema). Leading at the first turn, the Argentinian gave way in T2 but regained his first position just before T3, taking advantage of a small error from his Spanish rival. Behind, Vidales watched for an error from the Argentinian which never came. 

Note the good third place of Mari Boya at home, who finished first rookie. On the French side, R-ace GP finished in a group shot in 7th, 8th and 9th position, with Hadrien David leading the way and Isack Hadjar (R-ace GP) bringing up the rear. The latter will not be satisfied with a ninth place, but he takes the opportunity to gain the upper hand over Gabriele Mini (ART Grand Prix) in the rookie ranking. Championship leader Grégoire Saucy (ART Grand Prix) scores no points after finishing in 12th position. 

@FranColapinto @mpmotorsport_ collect the first win of the weekend at @CircuitValencia
Then the two Spanish drivers 🇪🇸
🥈 @VidalesRacing (@PREMA_Team)
🥉 @MariBoya64 (@VARmotorsport) – also Rookie trophy winner 🏆 pic.twitter.com/EHA2DfnLiF

— Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (@FRegionalAlpine) September 25, 2021