Belgian driver Thomas Strauven has clinched the 2025 Spanish Formula 4 Championship title after winning the first race of the weekend at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Cheste. The 17-year-old secured the championship during the NAPA Racing Weekend, following a dominant start that saw him take pole position and lead from the opening lap to the finish.
Strauven’s victory marks a key highlight of an action-packed weekend at the Valencian circuit, where multiple championships—including Formula 4 Spain, the Spanish GT Championship, and the Toyota GR Cup Spain—are being decided. The event, which offers free entry for fans, continues through Sunday with additional races and paddock access for spectators.
Strauven Secures Formula 4 Spain Title
Representing the Griffin Core by Campos Racing team, Strauven started from pole position ahead of teammate Jan Przyrowski. The young Belgian immediately took the lead into the first corner and maintained control throughout the race, fending off a 35-car field to take the win and with it, the national title.
Behind Strauven, the battle for the podium was contested by MP Motorsport drivers, with Dutch racer Ean Eyckmans finishing third ahead of compatriot Rene Lamers. Spanish driver Nacho Tuñón, representing the Circuit Ricardo Tormo’s Technification Centre, was the highest-placed local competitor in twelfth.
Strauven’s performance caps a season of consistent dominance. With eight race victories so far and five rounds still to run, he has already amassed enough points to secure the championship. His triumph places him among previous winners such as Mattia Colnaghi, Theophile Nael, Nicola Tsolov, Dinalo Van’t Hoff, Kas Haverkort, and Franco Colapinto—all drivers who have gone on to higher international series.
At just 17, Strauven’s rapid rise through the junior ranks reinforces Spain’s Formula 4 Championship as one of Europe’s most competitive platforms for emerging motorsport talent. The series continues to serve as a key step for drivers aiming to progress toward FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2.
Spanish GT and Toyota GR Cup Victories
In addition to Strauven’s victory, the weekend also saw decisive results in the Spanish GT Championship. The pairing of Borja García from Valencia and Alejandro Barambio from Cuenca dominated in their Porsche to claim victory and secure their second consecutive national title with GT Corse. The duo led from start to finish, maintaining a commanding pace that kept rivals at bay.
Meanwhile, in the Toyota GR Cup Spain, Marcos de Diego claimed first place following an intense early duel with Himar Acosta. Championship leader Daniel Losada completed the podium in third, keeping his title hopes alive ahead of the next rounds. The race delivered some of the most competitive wheel-to-wheel action of the day, highlighting the series’ growing popularity among both drivers and spectators.
According to event organizers, the NAPA Racing Weekend continues to attract a strong turnout, thanks in part to the free entry offered to fans. Visitors can access the main grandstand, known as the Tribuna de Boxes, and visit the paddock area to watch mechanics and drivers at work between sessions.
Racing Weekend Draws Fans to Valencia
The Circuit Ricardo Tormo, located in Cheste just west of Valencia, has long been a hub for motorsport in Spain. The circuit hosts national and international series, including MotoGP and various touring car events, and is known for its spectator-friendly layout that allows fans to view nearly the entire track from the grandstands.
This weekend’s races form part of the NAPA Racing Weekend, a multi-category event featuring some of Spain’s top motorsport competitions. With four additional races scheduled for Sunday, fans have the opportunity to experience close racing across multiple classes without any admission cost. Organizers have emphasized that the open-access format is designed to bring motorsport closer to the public and encourage new audiences to engage with racing culture in the region.
For many visitors, the weekend offers both high-speed entertainment and a chance to explore the surrounding area. Cheste, located about 20 kilometers from Valencia city center, benefits from its proximity to Spain’s third-largest city, making it a convenient day trip for locals and tourists alike. Public transport and road access to the circuit are straightforward, and local hospitality businesses often see a boost from the influx of race attendees.
Beyond the sporting results, the event underscores Valencia’s growing role as a major destination for motorsport tourism. The Circuit Ricardo Tormo regularly features on the calendars of European championships, providing an economic boost through accommodation, dining, and related travel services. Combined with the city’s cultural appeal and Mediterranean climate, it positions the region as a leading stop for both professional racers and fans.
The action resumes Sunday with a full day of racing, including remaining rounds of the GT and Formula 4 championships. Spectators are invited to attend free of charge, with paddock access and viewing from the Tribuna de Boxes throughout the day. As Strauven celebrates his early championship win, the weekend continues to deliver on its promise of speed, skill, and open access to some of Spain’s most exciting motorsport action.
Photo Credit: Antonio Zapata
