This year once again, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya hosts the resumption of the Alpine ELF Cup Series. After an intense opening half of the season, the title race is back in full swing ahead of the final 2024 fixtures at Circuit Paul Ricard and Monza. Behind the leader Charles Roussanne, there are many drivers eager to impress!
The summer break has just concluded, and the Alpine ELF Cup Series regulars return to the track this week. And where better than the Barcelona circuit for everyone to catch up. Eager to get back into action, they will start with practice on Thursday before qualifying the following day, followed by the two races on Friday evening and Saturday morning.
A DUEL OF JUNIORS AT THE TOP
The stakes are high for the title contenders. Charles Roussanne has been the standout so far. With four wins from six starts, the VPS Racing driver has always finished on the podium since his debut in the category. Winner at Nogaro, Léo Jousset (Race Cars Consulting) is nevertheless on the lookout and ready to take advantage of the slightest slip-up by his rival to make up ground. Already a winner in the discipline, Enzo Geraci (Chazel Technologie Course Junior) will be another to watch.
It will also be a time for catching up for those who want to improve their position by the end of the season, starting with Junior Lukas Papin (Schumacher CLRT Racing Team), who is often in the mix and scored his first podium at Portimão. Sami Dhahri (VPS Racing), Enzo Carvalhido (Sport Auto Racing), and Mattéo Nomblot (Chazel Technologie Course Junior) are also keen to prove their mettle.
CHALLENGERS AND GENTLEMEN AT THE SHARP END?
Other drivers could also do well. Third in the general classification, Florian Coruble (Chazel Technologie Course Junior) has a string of top-ten finishes and two overall podium results, a target that his closest challenger, Thibaut Bossy (Herrero Racing), is aiming at. Clément Berlié (VPS Racing) and Pierre-Laurent Figuière (Chazel Technologie Course) could also create a surprise if they confirm their progress.
The battle among the Gentlemen will be intense. Leader thanks to his consistency underlined by four consecutive podium finishes in the category before the summer break, Frédéric de Brabant (Chazel Technologie Course) is eager to score his maiden victory. Laurent Richard (Herrero Racing), who has already won this year, will look to give him a run for his money, as will 2020 class champion Philippe Bourgois (Race Cars Consulting).
Several familiar faces will be on hand for the start of the second half of the season. Among them, Franc Rouxel (Herrero Racing), a familiar face since 2018, but also Alexandre Gadois (Autosport GP) and Poland’s Gosia Rdest (Chazel Technologie Course), both of whom scored top-five finishes with the Alpine A110 Cup. Reigning two-time Gentlemen champion Anthony Fournier (Race Cars Consulting) also wants to make his mark. Lastly, a new face will complete the Alpine ELF Cup Series line-up. Well-known on European circuits, Romain Monti will join the Chazel Technologie Course armada to assert his potential in GT racing.
PLENTY TO RACE FOR
The field will gather this week in Barcelona before a visit to Le Castellet and the season finale in Monza (Italy). In addition to the race for the team title, where VPS Racing is currently a single point ahead of Race Cars Consulting, the drivers will be battling for the points and a generous prize package. The future winner will receive a €40,000 prize with a view to a move up to GT4. The Junior category champion will receive a €15,000 prize, while the Challengers and Gentlemen will each be awarded €10,000.
Race 1 takes place Friday at 6:55pm, and Race 2 Saturday at 9:15am. Both will be streamed and commented on live on the Alpine ELF Cup Series YouTube channel and Facebook page.
2024 CALENDAR
30 March-1 April: Nogaro (France)
26-28 April: Portimão (Portugal)
31 May-2 June: Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)
12-14 September: Barcelona (Spain)
4-6 October: Le Castellet (France)
18-20 October: Monza (Italy)
BARCELONA – TIMETABLE
Thursday 12 September
18:10-18:50: Free practice 1
Friday 13 September
11:20-12:00: Free practice 2
15:00-15:20: Qualifying 1
15:30-15:50: Qualifying 2
18:55-19:35: Race 1
Saturday 14 September
9:15-9:55: Race 2