Oulton Park, United Kingdom – 16–17 May 2025
A weekend of high-octane racing and strategic brilliance unfolded in Cheshire as the second round of the Ferrari Challenge UK Trofeo Pirelli roared to life at the historic Oulton Park circuit. Known for its technical layout, rapid corners and narrow margins, the track proved a thrilling test for the Ferrari 296 Challenge field. Adding to the prestige, Ferrari 499P Official Driver James Calado made a guest appearance, serving as a special advisor to race control throughout the weekend.
Trofeo Pirelli: Yates Pulls Clear With Commanding Double Victory
The Charles Hurst driver Gilbert Yates was untouchable at Oulton Park, storming to victory in both Trofeo Pirelli races and extending his championship lead to a commanding 67 points.
On Friday, Yates laid the groundwork early, securing pole position with a time of 1:35.159. Despite a red flag interruption after an off by Joseph Dean (Stratstone Colchester), Yates reasserted control at the restart. A determined Pranav Vangala (HR Owen) challenged hard in the early stages but couldn’t match Yates’ relentless pace. A late spin by Callum Leathem (Charles Hurst) handed the final podium position to a resurgent Haymandhra Pillai (Stratstone Colchester), marking an impressive return to racing.
Saturday brought more of the same from Yates, who once again secured pole with a flying 1:34.586 lap. Vangala pressed hard during the race, keeping within a second for much of the session and pushing his rival to the limit. Yet, it was a moment of overzealousness at Island Bend that allowed Yates to break free and secure his second win of the weekend, further solidifying his status as the man to beat in this year’s Trofeo Pirelli.
Coppa Shell: Dewhirst and Hunter Share the Spoils
In the Coppa Shell category, the honours were split between Mike Dewhirst (Dick Lovett) and Peter Hunter (Stratstone Manchester), as both drivers showcased remarkable racecraft and resilience across the two-day event.
Race 1 saw a hard-fought battle between Paul Simmerson (Graypaul Birmingham) and Dewhirst. After establishing an early lead, Simmerson came under relentless pressure as Dewhirst gradually reeled him in. What followed was one of the standout duels of the weekend, culminating in a stunning late overtake by Dewhirst at Cascades, sealing a dramatic victory after a side-by-side shootout through Island Bend. Hunter, in third, held firm amid midfield scrapping to secure a solid podium finish.
In Race 2, it was Hunter’s turn to shine. After clinching pole with a time of 1:36.629, the Stratstone Manchester driver kept his composure through an early yellow flag caused by contact between Satchell (HR Owen) and Howell (JCT600 Leeds). Dewhirst and Simmerson renewed their rivalry behind him, but Hunter stayed laser-focused. Under intense pressure from Dewhirst in the closing stages, Hunter defended flawlessly to claim his first win of the season, throwing the Coppa Shell title race wide open.
After two rounds, Dewhirst leads the championship with 62 points, with Simmerson close behind on 52, and Hunter just two points adrift on 50.
Calado’s Insight and a Look Ahead
Beyond the on-track heroics, the presence of James Calado, one of Ferrari’s most accomplished factory drivers, brought further gravitas to the weekend. Serving as a special advisor to race control, Calado offered a rare bridge between elite professional racing and the gentleman-driver spirit that defines the Ferrari Challenge series.
As the series heads next to the legendary Brands Hatch GP Circuit on 21–22 June, both the Trofeo Pirelli and Coppa Shell battles are heating up. With Yates in commanding form and the Coppa Shell leaderboard tightly packed, the stage is set for another exhilarating round.
For the latest updates and championship standings, visit: Ferrari Challenge UK.
