Freddie Slater takes FREC title with stylish Monza race one victory

Photo: ACI Sport

Prema’s Freddie Slater wrapped up the Formula Regional European Championship with one race remaining after a race-long battle with polesitter Evan Giltaire at Monza.

The ART Grand Prix driver defended his position valiantly, locking up dramatically as he tried to hold Slater off, but in the end the Englishman’s challenge was irresistible.

Slater’s title rival, Trident’s Matteo De Palo, suffered a blow to his hopes before the start with a two-place grid penalty dropping him to ninth.

After a pit stop to replace a front wing damaged in a first corner kerfuffle, De Palo was only able to fight back to 11th at the flag, giving Slater an insurmountable points lead ahead of Sunday’s final round.

Giltaire immediately moved to the inside to block Slater into the Rettifilo chicane at the start allowing a fast-starting Pedro Clerot to draw alongside the Prema car.

Before the race, Giltaire had been confident that Slater would not risk too much given the points position. However, Slater had other ideas and challenged into the Roggia chicane before attempting an audacious move around the outside at the first Lesmo.

Behind them, midfield contact sidelined Prema’s Jack Beeton and R-ace GP’s Jin Nakamura. His R-ace GP team-mate Enzo Deligny spun after contact with Trident’s Nandhavud Bhirombhakdi and rejoined last.

De Palo emerged in fifth but had incurred damage to his front wing. He would gradually drop back before being forced to pit for repairs.

After a brief safety car period, Giltaire held off Slater as Clerot and ART Grand Prix’s Taito Kato fell in behind.

However, the race was soon neutralised once more after an incident between CL Motorsport’s Michael Belov and Sainteloc Racing’s James Egozi on the run to the first Lesmo eliminated both, and collected the unfortunate Hiyu Yamakoshi (VAR).

Racing resumed with 11 minutes remaining, Giltaire weaving to keep Slater behind. Slater had a look into the second chicane but held position. Next time around he made another move into the first chicane, even getting his nose in front but desperate late-breaking from Giltaire kept him in front.

The next challenge was immediate: Giltaire cutting the second chicane in defence as Slater kicked up dust on the exit.

However, Slater was not to be denied and dived to the inside into Parabolica to take the lead, pulling away to win by 1.6s.

Giltaire held off Clerot and Kato for a very well-deserved second place. Deligny recovered from his first corner drama to seventh, while VAR’s Dion Gowda clinced the rookie championship with eighth.

Race results (15 laps)