The battle in the Alpine Elf Europa Cup resumes in Barcelona

In its sixth season since its revival in 2018, the Alpine Elf Europa Cup offers a highly competitive spectacle. Five different drivers have already won from eight races. After a well-deserved break, the contenders will meet again in Barcelona from 14 to 16 September, then at Le Castellet from 6 to 8 October, for two decisive rounds in the four crowns at stake: General, Juniors, Challengers and Gentlemen.

A BATTLE OF JUNIORS AT THE TOP

In this vastly renewed field last winter, three young drivers have emerged at the sharp end of the general classification to battle for a €40,000 prize-fund with a view to moving up to GT4.

With three victories to his credit, Belgian Lorens Lecertua has a ten-point lead over Enzo Geraci, who has won two races. After successfully transitioning from Formula 4 to the Alpine Elf Europa Cup, the two promising young drivers will look to distance themselves from their rivals and seal the title for Chazel Technologie Course Junior. However, they must be wary of Romain Favre (VPS Racing), who is just 18 points adrift of first place. Coming from the Trophée Mitjet 2L France, the Frenchman has also marched onto the podium's top step and intends to do his utmost as the final sprint nears.

Slightly behind, Tim Mérieux (Autosport GP) hopes to return to his winning ways to stay in contention, whilst Léo Jousset (Race Cars Consulting) is eager to convert his speed into a maiden success. Meanwhile, Jules Gougeon (Chazel Technologie Course Junior), Ethan Bernard (Herrero Racing), Romain Brun (Herrero Racing) and Sami Dhahri (VPS Racing) will need to make up ground on the leaders if they are to keep their chances alive.

Lastly, Willyam Gosselin (VPS Racing) and Lukas Papin (Autosport GP) will continue their learning process with the aim of narrowing the gap to the leaders while 2019 Junior champion Matéo Herrero (Herrero Racing) will return.

CATELIN LEADS AMONG THE CHALLENGERS

The Challengers category introduced this year for competitors aged between 23 and 44 without track record has seen Adrien Catelin (Code Racing Development) stand out from the pack with an overall victory in mixed conditions in Dijon.

The French driver has won four times in his class to put himself in the running for the title and the €10,000 prize money on offer to the winner. Despite winning three of the last four races, his closest rival Thibaut Bossy (Herrero Racing) knows that he will have to maintain this high level of performance if he is to have any hope of extending the battle to the season-finale.

Meanwhile, Margaux Verza (Autosport GP) will look to confirm her excellent progress with a first win, as will Pierre-Laurent Figuiere (Chazel Technologie Course) and Nogaro winner Denis Bernardi (Herrero Racing).

DOUBLE TITLE FOR FOURNIER?

The Gentlemen category has proven to be a proper race within the race and will once again spice up the middle of the pack between the 45 and over-aged drivers.

After four consecutive wins before the break, Anthony Fournier (Race Cars Consulting) is in a solid position to retain his crown. The leader could seal his double this weekend, but he will have to watch out for the consistency of Alain Jacono (Chazel Technologie Course), the experience of Pierre Macchi (Autosport GP) or the speed of Laurent Richard (Herrero Racing). Another contender will debut in Barcelona with Frédéric De Brabant (Chazel Technologie Course Junior), already experienced with the Alpine A110 GT4.

Scheduled for Friday at 6:55 pm and Saturday at 9:35 am, the two races will be streamed live on the Alpine Elf Europa Cup YouTube channel and Facebook page.

TIMETABLE

Thursday 14 September

13:10-13:50: Free practice 1
18:10-18:50: Free practice 2

Friday 15 September

15:00-15:20: Qualifying1
15:30-15:50: Qualifying 2
18:55-19:25: Race1

Saturday 16 September

9:35-10:05: Race 2

2023 CALENDAR

8-10 April: Nogaro (France)
4-6 May: Magny-Cours (France)
1-4 June: Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)
16-18 June: Dijon-Prenois (France)
14-16 September: Barcelona (Spain)
6-8 October: Le Castellet (France)