On the first of two days of testing at Barcelona-Catalunya, among the 32 drivers challenging themselves in the new series, the fastest of the day were the experienced Finn Patrik Pasma (KIC Motorsport) with a time of 1:40.567, followed by the Swiss ART Grand Prix driver, Grégoire Saucy (1:40.613), and Brit Alex Quin (Arden Motorsport), stopping the clock at 1:40.667.

In the morning it was Paul Aron (Prema Powerteam) who led the group, but the Estonian driver was uunable to improve his time in the afternoon, ending up with a good fourth overall (1:40.748).

First among the Rookies, and sixth overall (1:40.930), was Frenchman Isaac Hadjar (R-ace GP), who was also extremely quick in Imola, thus confirming his confidence in the car. In the Rookie category, second was Gabriele Minì (ART Grand Prix), eighth overall, with 1:41.208, and third was Francesco Pizzi (Van Amersfoort Racing), only 56 thousandths off his team mate in 9th overall.

The day was sunny and dry, with air temperatures around 15°C, and the track temperature reached 38°C.

Unfortunately, Léna Bühler’s injury in Imola has turned out to be worse than initially reported, meaning that she will miss the Barcelona tests, but well take part in the first races of the season, in Imola on the weekend of 18th April, when the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine will be racing as part of the F1 circus.

Tomorrow sees another day of testing on the Spanish circuit, starting at 9:00 local time, until 13:00 and resuming for the afternoon at 14:00, with a finish time of 17:00. Live timing is available at https://formularegionaleubyalpine.com/live-timing/.