Thrilling Start to the 2025 MINI CHALLENGE Trophy Season at Snetterton

The 2025 Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season burst into life at Snetterton over the weekend (April 12–13), with an action-packed trio of races that featured standout performances from a mix of fresh faces and returning talent. With a record grid of over 30 cars, the Norfolk circuit set the perfect stage for a high-intensity opener filled with drama, breakout moments, and fierce wheel-to-wheel battles.

Olivier Algieri Makes a Statement in Qualifying

All eyes were on rookie Olivier Algieri, who marked his series debut by claiming a sensational pole position in Saturday’s qualifying session. The Westbourne Motorsport driver edged out a competitive field with a blistering lap time, signalling his intent to be a serious contender despite being new to the championship. Algieri’s performance was especially impressive given the depth of talent in the 2025 grid, and it laid the foundation for a strong first weekend.

Joshua Wilby Grabs First Career Win

The first race of the season saw Joshua Wilby rise to the occasion, claiming his maiden victory in the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy. The Team Avago driver made a clean getaway from the front row and took full advantage of early skirmishes behind to establish control of the race. Despite pressure from the likes of Algieri and returning names such as Rhys Hurd, Wilby held his nerve to cross the line first — a major breakthrough moment in his career.

Post-race, a clearly elated Wilby described the win as a “dream start” and a reward for the hard work put in over the off-season. His performance marked him as a new force in the championship, with maturity and pace in equal measure.

Sunday Showdown: Purches and Hurd Take the Honours

If Saturday was Wilby’s day, Sunday belonged to two other rising stars: Leo Purches and Rhys Hurd.

Race two saw 16-year-old Leo Purches — the youngest driver on the grid — power his way to a composed and commanding win. Having shown flashes of promise during his rookie 2024 campaign, Purches pieced everything together with a confident drive from the front. He handled pressure from behind with poise and looked every bit the seasoned pro as he secured his first win in the series.

In the third and final race of the weekend, it was Rhys Hurd who took the spoils. The Westbourne Motorsport driver had been in the mix throughout the event and finally converted his pace into victory. A fast start and clever racecraft allowed him to fend off multiple challengers, including a hard-charging Purches, to earn his first win of the year and cap off an excellent opening round.

Looking Ahead

The Snetterton curtain-raiser delivered everything MINI CHALLENGE fans have come to expect: close racing, unpredictable results, and a showcase of young talent ready to make a name for themselves. With three different winners across three races and rookies already shaking up the established order, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet.

As the championship heads to Croft for Round 2, the question is no longer who can win — but who can win consistently.

Credit : MINI CHALLENGE