The 2025 Ferrari Challenge UK Trofeo Pirelli season roared into life this weekend at Spain’s Navarra Circuit, marking a series of firsts for the championship. Not only did the event feature the debut of the all-new Ferrari 296 Challenge car, replacing the 488 Challenge models, but it also introduced a new international venue for the traditionally British-based series.
Now in its seventh season, the Ferrari Challenge UK welcomed a 20-car grid, featuring a blend of seasoned veterans and nine new drivers eager to prove their mettle across the Trofeo Pirelli and Coppa Shell classes. With official Ferrari driver Miguel Molina serving as Race Advisor and approximately 2,000 spectators in attendance, the atmosphere was electric across two days of high-speed action.
The season-opening weekend began with Friday testing, followed by Saturday morning’s free practice and qualifying sessions. Gilbert Yates (Charles Hurst), the reigning Trofeo Pirelli Champion, wasted no time asserting his dominance by securing pole position with a lap time of 1:45.058. In the Coppa Shell, it was Paul Simmerson (Graypaul Birmingham) who clinched the top spot.
Race 1 saw Yates expertly convert his pole into victory after an intense battle with HR Owen’s Pranav Vangala. Oscar Ryndziewicz (Graypaul Glasgow) completed the podium after a thrilling mid-race scrap with 19-year-old debutant Callum Leathem (Charles Hurst). In Coppa Shell, Paul Simmerson triumphed after a spirited fight, with Mike Dewhirst (Dick Lovett Swindon) and Peter Hunter (Stratstone Manchester) rounding out the podium.
Sunday delivered even more excitement. Yates once again started from pole, but despite leading for much of the race, he was ultimately bested by a charging Pranav Vangala, who seized the opportunity after Yates ran wide late in the race. It was a milestone moment for Vangala, who celebrated his first-ever win in the Ferrari Challenge UK series. Leathem impressed again, finishing third and capping off an impressive debut weekend.
In the Coppa Shell class, Mike Dewhirst reversed his fortunes by claiming his maiden win of the season. Peter Hunter secured a hard-fought second place, while Paul Simmerson completed the podium after an off-track excursion cost him a shot at the win.
The Ferrari Challenge UK series will now return to home soil for Round 2 at Oulton Park on 16-17 May. The 2025 calendar will also see the championship visit Brands Hatch in June, Donington in July, and Silverstone for the finale in September.
With new machinery, fresh faces, and fierce rivalries already emerging, the 2025 season promises to be one of the most competitive and thrilling in the series’ history.
For live coverage and the latest updates, visit live.ferrari.com and Ferrari Challenge UK.
