Brands Hatch, United Kingdom – 22 June 2025
The Ferrari Challenge UK Trofeo Pirelli series returned with a roar this weekend as Round 3 unfolded in front of nearly 10,000 spectators at the legendary Brands Hatch circuit in Kent. Across two exhilarating races – one on the fan-favourite Indy Circuit and the other on the demanding GP layout – the weekend delivered high-octane drama, breakthrough performances, and crucial championship developments.
Saturday: The Short Circuit Sparks Intense Battles
Qualifying 1
Despite an earlier incident, Gilbert Yates (Charles Hurst) pulled off a sensational comeback in Trofeo Pirelli qualifying. With mere minutes left on the clock, his pit crew worked with surgical precision to get him back out, and the championship leader rewarded their efforts with a stunning 45.878s lap to claim pole. In Coppa Shell, Mike Dewhirst (Dick Lovett Swindon) proved his consistency by grabbing yet another class pole with a 46.345s effort.
Race 1
In Trofeo Pirelli, Paul Simmerson (Graypaul Birmingham) got the jump on Pranav Vangala (HR Owen) at the lights, forcing the latter to defend against teammate Fedor Samorukov. While Vangala regrouped and began to chase Simmerson, Yates used the battling behind him to build a comfortable lead.
The mid-pack action saw newcomer Calum Leathem (Charles Hurst) impressively pass Samorukov, who later retired due to mechanical issues. Vangala, relentless in pursuit, eventually found a way past Simmerson with a daring move through Druids and Surtees. But by then, Yates had reasserted his dominance, surging clear to secure a commanding win and further cement his championship credentials.
In Coppa Shell, Peter Hunter (Stratstone Manchester) stormed past both Dewhirst and Paul Rogers (HR Owen) in the early stages to seize the lead. Dewhirst bided his time, managing his tyres carefully in the scorching heat, and launched a late-race challenge. But Hunter held firm under immense pressure, slamming the door shut at Druids and withstanding a shortened race caused by an off from Steve Dopson (Dick Lovett Swindon), to notch his second consecutive victory.
Sunday: The GP Circuit Delivers Strategic Masterclass
Qualifying 2
Yates once again showcased his pace, logging his 14th consecutive fastest lap – a 1:25.617 – to start on pole for Race 2. In Coppa Shell, Dewhirst took top spot with a 1:27.487, this time reversing the order from Saturday and putting himself in a prime position to reclaim momentum.
Race 2
A fierce opening stint saw Simmerson and Vangala rekindle their rivalry, with Samorukov briefly slipping through the fray. But Vangala responded quickly to reclaim third, while Yates pulled away decisively, building a five-second lead within minutes.
Behind them, Leathem fought his way past Joseph Dean (Stratstone Colchester) and hunted down John Marcar (Graypaul Birmingham), before a spin from Simmerson up ahead caused traffic that tightened the pack. A yellow flag soon followed after a collision between Dean and Paul Dixon (Dick Lovett Swindon), freezing the order. The green flag reappeared with just one lap to go, but Yates remained untouchable, claiming his second win of the weekend and extending his Trofeo Pirelli championship lead to 101 points. Samorukov, too, had reason to celebrate, with his first podium finish of the year.
In Coppa Shell, Dewhirst led early, but traffic created by Simmerson’s spin opened the door for Hunter to apply pressure. Behind them, a three-car scrap between Dixon, Rogers, and Darren Howell (JCT600 Leeds) electrified the mid-pack, until Dixon’s contact with Dean brought out the safety car. The neutralised race resumed only briefly before the chequered flag waved, handing Dewhirst the win and restoring balance in the weekend’s results. The pair now sit just 12 points apart at the top of the class standings, with Dewhirst on 91 overall.
Championship Picture
As the 2025 Ferrari Challenge UK reaches its midpoint, Gilbert Yates continues to set the benchmark in Trofeo Pirelli, while the Coppa Shell title fight intensifies between Dewhirst and Hunter. With momentum swinging between drivers and the field growing ever more competitive, the stage is set for an electrifying second half to the season.
