Snetterton, Saturday 8 June 2024
The third round of the 2024 Ferrari Challenge UK series kicked off today at Snetterton race circuit in Norfolk. The day started with showers but transitioned to bright sunshine, creating a dynamic setting for the Trofeo Pirelli and Coppa Shell drivers to showcase their skills in the Ferrari 488 Challenge EVO race cars.
Qualifying 1: In the Trofeo Pirelli category, Gilbert Yates (Charles Hurst) delivered an outstanding performance with a lap time of 2:09.727, securing pole position ahead of his teammate Andrew Morrow by almost a full second. In Coppa Shell, Gary Redman (Graypaul Nottingham) navigated the slick conditions masterfully, clocking in at 2:15.607 to top his class.
The race began under mostly dry conditions following a wet qualifying session. Haymandhra Pillai (Jardine Colchester) made an aggressive start, overtaking Andrew Morrow (Charles Hurst) at turn one. However, Morrow, the reigning Trofeo Pirelli champion, swiftly reclaimed his position and set his sights on Yates, who was working hard to maintain his lead. Pranav Vangala (HR Owen) capitalized on Pillai’s error to climb into the podium positions.
As the race progressed, the battle for first place intensified. Morrow gradually closed the gap to Yates, eventually making a decisive move seven minutes before the end when Yates went wide at Riches. Morrow seized the opportunity and held his nerve, maintaining his lead to extend his unbeaten run at Snetterton to four races.
Coppa Shell: Robert Rees (Dick Lovett Swindon) had a phenomenal start, jumping from fourth to first before the exit of Riches. Mike Dewhirst (Dick Lovett Swindon) followed suit, overtaking Gary Redman to secure second place. Dewhirst then found his rhythm and, seven minutes into the race, overtook Rees to claim the lead. Despite Rees’ efforts, Dewhirst, buoyed by his recent victory at Oulton Park, delivered a series of flawless laps to clinch his second win of the season.
Snetterton, Sunday 9 June 2024
A dry Snetterton circuit set the stage for another thrilling day of racing as Race 2 of the third round of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli UK series unfolded.
Qualifying 2: In the Trofeo Pirelli class, Gilbert Yates (Charles Hurst) once again demonstrated his prowess, securing pole position with a time of 1:52.302. In Coppa Shell, Gary Redman (Graypaul Nottingham) dominated with a leading time of 1:54.906.
Trofeo Pirelli: The second race of the weekend saw Yates and Morrow (Charles Hurst) establishing an early lead. Meanwhile, Haymandhra Pillai (Jardine Colchester) and Pranav Vangala (HR Owen) engaged in a fierce battle for third. Pillai managed to overtake Vangala, but a five-second penalty for a previous incident allowed Vangala to reclaim third place.
Yates, untroubled by the tire issues that plagued him in Race 1, maintained his lead over Morrow, securing his first victory of the weekend. The championship battle remains intense, with both drivers tied at 69 points each.
Coppa Shell: Robert Rees (Dick Lovett Swindon) once again surged ahead at the start, moving from second to first by the first turn. Darren Howell (JCT600 Leeds) made significant gains, climbing from sixth to third. However, contact with Peter Hunter (Stratstone Manchester) resulted in a puncture for the Manchester driver.
Mike Dewhirst (Dick Lovett Swindon) continued to improve his lap times, eventually overtaking Howell and Redman to secure second place. Rees seemed poised for victory, but Dewhirst’s relentless pace allowed him to overtake Rees in the final minutes, securing his second win of the weekend. Rees leads the Coppa Shell standings with 88 points, closely followed by Dewhirst with 77 points.
Next Race: The penultimate round of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli UK series is scheduled for Donington on 20-21 July 2024. Fans can watch the qualifying and race sessions live at live.ferrari.com.
