Oulton Park, United Kingdom.
In Trofeo Pirelli, Gilbert Yates (Charles Hurst) triumphed across both races to extend his championship lead with 67 points. In Coppa Shell, it was honours even between Mike Dewhirst (Dick Lovett) and Peter Hunter (Stratstone Manchester), with the latter securing his first win of the season. Dewhirst now leads the championship on 62 points, with Simmerson (52 points) and Hunter (50 points) close behind.
Friday 16 May
Qualifying 1
In Trofeo Pirelli, Yates continued his perfect qualifying form to post the fastest lap of 1:35.159. In Coppa Shell, Paul Simmerson (Graypaul Birmingham) took advantage of the excellent track conditions and posted a leading time of 1:36.074 to secure pole.
Race 1
Trofeo Pirelli
The red flag restart after an early off by Joseph Dean (Stratstone Colchester) gave way to exciting action in the opening exchanges. Pranav Vangala (HR Owen) pushed hard to chase down polesitter Yates, but the Charles Hurst driver resisted the threat and quickly built up a 6-sec lead. In third, a quick-looking Callum Leathem (Charles Hurst) found himself at the back of the pack following a spin. Returning racer Haymandhra Pillai (Stratstone Colchester) capitalised, leaping two places up the order to enter the podium positions, followed by John Marcar (Graypaul Birmingham) and Fedor Samorukov (HR Owen) further back.
As the race entered the last few laps, a recovering Leathem pressured Samorukov, passing him with just moments to spare. From there, the order was set and as the chequered flag fell, it was Yates who brought home victory in a dominant display for the 2024 Trofeo Pirelli champion.
Coppa Shell
Simmerson held the advantage during the opening stages of the race, building space between him and Dewhirst. Several laps in, the pair cleared traffic, and Dewhirst found rhythm to close the gap. Simmerson observed the threat and defended effectively to keep his Coppa Shell rival at bay. Back in third, Hunter drove with speed and discipline to consolidate his position, as duels further back between two pairs, Dick Lovett drivers Paul Dixon and Steve Dopson, Huseyin Sert (Maranello Sales) and Darren Howell (JCT600 Leeds), kept the race open.
As the race entered the final stage, the relentless battle between Simmerson and Dewhirst intensified. Simmerson issued a stunning defence of his lead, but Dewhirst sensed an opportunity and kept hot on the tail of the Birmingham veteran. On the penultimate lap, Dewhurst saw his chance and shot down the inside of Simmerson as the pair entered Cascades. A two-car drag race followed on the exit, and Dewhirst made it stick on the outside of Island Bend as he prevailed to take the chequered flag and celebrate victory.
Saturday 17 May
Qualifying 2
In Trofeo Pirelli, Yates Continued his impressive form, once again posting the fastest lap of 1:34.586 to retain his polesitter status. In Coppa Shell, an impressive lap by Hunter saw him achieve pole, posting the quickest time of 1:36.629 to secure top spot.
Race 2
Trofeo Pirelli
An unfortunate off for Dean in the opening laps preceded an exciting restart. Upfront, Vangala pressured polesitter Yates as the pair duelled in the opening exchanges. Yates held his pace, but Vangala didn’t let his rival off easily, keeping the gap between the pair to within a second. Behind, Leathem consolidated his position, as a tussle developed between Pillai and a chasing Marcar. After sustained pressure, an off by the Colchester driver gave his rival the position.
As the race concluded, Yates’ impressive drive appeared to be enough as he kept an incessant Vangala at bay. The determined HR Owen driver pushed his Ferrari 296 Challenge to the limit – eventually catching him out in an overshoot as the pair entered Island bend. As the chequered flag waved, Yates crossed the line to take his second win of the weekend and further bolster his position at the top of the Trofeo Pirelli standings.
Coppa Shell
Early exits from Jonathan Satchell (HR Owen) and Howell following contact between the pair saw the yellow flag appear and the grid group together. Battles ignited on the restart, with Dewhirst besting Simmerson as the pair traded places.
Further ahead, Hunter kept his head down and consolidated his position. Dewhirst, seeking to secure a double victory, found Hunter’s bumper quickly. An expertly driven defence by Hunter followed, with the Manchester man determined to covert his pole into victory. After an intense battle, it was Hunter who maintained his composure and brought home an excellent win – his first of the season – to keep things open at the top of the Coppa Shell championship.
Next Round:
The Ferrari Challenge UK Trofeo Pirelli race series next visits the iconic GP circuit of Brands Hatch on 21-22 June 2025. For the latest updates on the Ferrari Challenge UK race series, visit: https://www.ferrari.com/en-GB/corse-clienti/uk.
Facebook Conversations