The Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli UK championship returned this week for the fifth round at Brands Hatch. Drivers tackled both the Indy and Grand Prix Circuit layouts, which are favourites in the championship. Its iconic corners and undulating terrain provide an unforgettable experience for the drivers in their Ferrari 296 Challenge cars. The weekend also saw Gilbert Yates and Christopher Beighton crowned Trofeo Pirelli and Coppa Shell champions, respectively. Official Ferrari Driver, Phil Hanson, was Driver Steward for the event, and also presented the podium trophies.
Qualification 1:
In Trofeo Pirelli, 2024 and 2025 winner, Gilbert Yates (Charles Hurst), claimed Pole Position with a best lap of 0:45.777, with his son, Bradley Yates (Charles Hurst) trailing just 0.2-sec behind, with a time of 0:45.997. Joseph Dean (Stratstone Colchester) followed just 0.3-sec behind him to secure 3rd place on the grid, with a time of 0:46.394.
In Coppa Shell, Sean Ran (HR Owen) took Pole Position with a best lap of 0:46.346 – merely 0.1-sec ahead of Christopher Beighton (Graypaul Nottingham), who posted a time of 0:46.471. William Bolster (Charles Hurst) qualified in 3rd, less than 0.2-sec behind Beighton, with a time of 0:46.666.
Race 1:
Trofeo Pirelli. Pole Sitter G.Yates made a quick getaway and began to build a strong lead over 2nd-placed B.Yates. Dean also started excellently from 3rd, but couldn’t quite find the pace to catch up to the Yates duo.
As the competition heated up, B.Yates mounted pressure on his father, but the race leader continued to extend his advantage. Further back, Dean defended against keen overtaking attempts from Mike Dewhirst (Dick Lovett Swindon).
With the positions settled, G.Yates crossed the chequered flag 10-sec clear of his son in 2nd place. On such a short circuit, near the end of the race, the leaders had to contend with backmarker traffic, while Dean claimed the final podium position with a composed and consistent drive.
Coppa Shell. Ran took off from Pole Position to lead the pack, with Beighton close behind him in 2nd. Bolster followed in 3rd, tailed by Darren Howell (JCT600 Leeds), who claimed 4th after passing Andrea Seminara (HR Owen) on the first lap.
With the order now set, Ran continued to extend his lead. Further back, Seminara and Ian Morris (Maranello Sales) fought closely but ultimately maintained their positions in 5th and 6th, respectively.
As the chequered flag fell, it was Ran who took home the win after a dominating performance, with Beighton and Bolster completing the podium positions in 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
Qualification 2:
In Trofeo Pirelli, G.Yates claimed Pole Position with a time of 1:26.153. Behind him, just 0.1-sec separated B.Yates in 2nd and Dean in 3rd, with times of 1:27.327 and 1:27.410, respectively.
In Coppa Shell, Ran qualified in Pole Position, with a time of 1:27.817. There was just 0.2-sec between Beighton in 2nd and Seminara in 3rd, who posted best laps of 1:28.131 and 1:28.303, respectively.
Race 2:
Trofeo Pirelli. Pole Sitter, G.Yates made a flying start, with B.Yates hot on the heels of his father. Behind them in 3rd, Dean began to find his race rhythm and pulled away from 4th-placed Dewhirst.
As the race prgressed, Dewhirst began closing in on Dean, before performing an excellent move on the Stratstone Colchester driver at Westfield Bend. Meanwhile, G.Yates continued to dominate the field.
G. Yates was first to take the chequered flag, sealing the championship title with an outstanding ninth victory from ten races. The win also completed a Perfect Weekend for the Northern Irish driver, while his son crossed the line in 2nd. Behind them, Dean mounted pressure on Dewhirst before reclaiming 3rd with a decisive move at Dingle Dell on the final lap.
Coppa Shell. No sooner had the race started, Beighton overtook two-time Pole Sitter, Ran, on the exit of Druids on the first lap. Further back, a battle for 3rd was underway between 3rd-placed Seminara, Howell in 4th and Bolster in 5th.
As the battle intensified, 5th-placed Bolster seized the opportunity to overtake Howell to claim 4th after battling. However, neither driver was able to catch up to Seminara to challenge for the last step of the podium.
Up ahead, Beighton pushed on with his sights firmly set on the championship win. As the chequered flag fell, Beighton secured his debut Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli UK season victory, with Ran taking home 2nd place and Seminara completing the top three.
For the latest updates on the Ferrari Challenge UK race series, visit: https://www.ferrari.com/en-GB/corse-clienti/uk
Next Race:
The Ferrari Challenge UK series travels to Donington Park on 19-20 September. Spectators can watch the race in person or online at live.ferrari.com.
