FROT – Highlands: Rovanperä still absent, Ugochukwu regains the lead

Despite Japan's Jin Nakamura securing pole position in qualifying, Ugo Ugochukwu found his race rhythm to take another victory. The American, outpaced by Freddie Slater during the previous Formula Regional Oceania weekend – the Briton had won three of the four races – didn't give his main rival much of a lead before being overtaken once again. Starting sixth on the grid, Slater could only manage fourth place, watching his rival seize victory in a thrilling race.

Especially towards the end of the race, the conclusion came sooner than expected. Ernesto Rivera made a mistake; the Mexican got stuck in the gravel trap and was unable to get out. Having delivered a rather unconvincing performance in the FROZEN area up to that point, the protégé of the development program... Red Bull This sealed the victory for the American giant, Ugo Ugochukwu. Also of note is the latest withdrawal of Kalle Rovanperä. Having missed last week's rescheduled Race 3, the Finn was expected to return for the remainder of the weekend, but ultimately was unable to participate in today's race. He will be expected to start the next race, though his participation is not yet certain. Still ill, the former rally driver is not ending his winter preparations in the best possible way.

ALSO READ > FROT – Highlands: Rovanperä withdraws from the start of the weekend, Slater returns to the title race

As for the rest of the program, it will be followed on Saturday night into Sunday, to determine the grand champion of the winter.

FROT (Oceania Regional Formula) – Highlands
Race 1 ranking