THE ALPINE ELF EUROPA CUP RETURNS TO THE TRACK IN BARCELONA

The scene of some stunning finals in 2018 and 2019, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya hosts the return to action of the Alpine Elf Europa Cup for the second year running. Always conducive for putting on a great battle between the Alpine A110 Cups, the home of the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix is about to provide another breathtaking show as the list of contenders begins to thin out.

SIX DRIVERS FOR THE LEAD

After a first half of the season with four different winners, six drivers arrive in Catalunya in a position to leave Barcelona at the top of the general classification.

After his successful weekend in Zandvoort, Lucas Frayssinet (Chazel Technologie Course) once again leads the classification and will try to extend his advantage over his pursuers led by Simon Tirman (Autosport GP). The latter will be an even more serious rival this week as he scored his only success last year on the Montmeló track.

Third and 16 points behind the leader, Paul Cauhaupé (Patrick Roger Autosport GP) also has high hopes while Edwin Traynard (Chazel Technologie Course) wants to win again to get back in title contention, a goal shared by regular front-runners Rodolphe Wallgren (Herrero Racing) and Louis Méric (Race Cars Consulting), both determined to get their first victory in 2022.

OUTSIDERS TO THE FRONT?

The Alpine Elf Europa Cup line-up has been significantly expanded and rejuvenated this year, with many rookies finding their marks in the opening three rounds of the season. Following the summer break, the newcomers are eager to confirm their development with a convincing result against their more experienced peers, including Gosia Rdest (Chazel Technologie Course).

Amongst them, Alexis Garcin (Herrero Racing), Thibaut Bossy (Herrero Racing) and Louis Maurice (Code Racing Development) will be worth keeping an eye on as these three ambitious drivers are determined to install themselves in the top ten with a maiden podium.

Tim Mérieux (Autosport GP) and Jules Gougeon (Race Cars Consulting) will also try to highlight their improvement whle Margaux Verza (Patrick Roger Autosport GP) will look to catch up to the leaders to begin her climb up the general classification.

A TURNING POINT IN THE GENTLEMEN CLASS?

Anthony Fournier (Race Cars Consulting) has finished in the category’s top three in every race this season but is now under threat from a new challenger, Frédéric Roy (Chazel Technologie Course). With three consecutive victories, Roy will be looking to build on his success and take the lead before the final sprint.

After skipping Zandvoort, Philippe Bourgois (Chazel Technologie Course) returns and is aiming for nothing less than a victory to maintain his title hopes alive. Laurent Richard (Herrero Racing) and Marc Sevestre (Autosport GP), who are only three and four points behind their Belgian rival, share the same goal while Pierre Macchi (Patrick Roger Autosport GP), Jean-Paul Dominici (Chazel Technologie Course) and Franc Rouxel (Herrero Racing) will aim higher and upwards.

Pierre-Étienne Chaumat, who has competed in several one-make cup series and the French FFSA GT Championship, will make his Alpine Elf Europa Cup debut at a track he knows well with the Code Racing Development team.

Four well-known faces of the A-arrowed brand will also be back in Catalunya. Laurent Hurgon, who scored a podium finish last year in Barcelona, will represent the LSGroup Autosport GP colors. 2019 Gentleman driver title winner Mathieu Blaise will also be back behind the wheel of the Alpine A110 Cup with Herrero Racing, as will Mateo Herrero (Herrero Racing), who won the Junior tite and won at Barcelona the same year. Lastly, Stéphane De Groodt will make his second appearance of the year in the n°110 car prepared by Chazel Technologie Course before taking on some new challenges in blue!

Organised as part of the 24 Hours of Barcelona weekend, the races will exceptionally take place on Friday evening and Saturday midday. Both races will be streamed live on the Alpine Elf Europa Cup YouTube Channel and Facebook page.

TIMETABLE

Thursday 8 September

6:10-6:50 pm: Collective test

Friday 9 September

10:15-10:55 am: Free practice

2:40-3:00 pm: Qualifying 1

6:45-7:15 pm: Race1

Saturday 10 September

9:-9:20 am: Qualifying 2

11:40 am-12:10 pm: Race 2