London, Wednesday 18 June 2025 – The 2025 Ferrari Challenge UK Trofeo Pirelli championship roars into its third round this weekend at the legendary Brands Hatch circuit in Kent, where a fierce grid of 488 Challenge Evo drivers will take on both the Indy and GP layouts in pursuit of victory. With two rounds already completed, the competition is reaching a critical juncture, and Brands Hatch promises to deliver high drama and decisive moments as the championship battle intensifies.
Yates Sets the Pace in Trofeo Pirelli
Reigning champion Gilbert Yates (Charles Hurst) arrives at Brands Hatch in formidable form, having extended his lead at the top of the Trofeo Pirelli standings to 67 points after a commanding double win at Oulton Park in May. The Northern Irishman has shown remarkable consistency and racecraft this season, and he’ll be looking to capitalise on that momentum at a circuit where precision and bravery are paramount.
Hot on his heels is Pranav Vangala (HR Owen), who sits 14 points adrift. Vangala has emerged as Yates’ most consistent challenger, and with the unpredictable nature of the Brands Hatch GP layout in Sunday’s race, he’ll be eager to reclaim lost ground. Meanwhile, newcomer Calum Leathem (Charles Hurst) has impressed in his debut season with two podiums to his name and currently occupies third place in the standings. A strong showing this weekend could firmly establish him as a dark horse in the title race.
Coppa Shell: A Three-Way Title Fight
The Coppa Shell class is shaping up to be one of the most tightly contested in recent memory. Championship leader Mike Dewhirst (Dick Lovett Swindon) holds a narrow advantage with 60 points, but with just eight points separating him from closest rivals Paul Simmerson (Graypaul Birmingham, 52 points) and Peter Hunter (Stratstone Manchester, 50 points), every lap this weekend will count.
Dewhirst and Hunter each claimed a win in the previous round, adding further complexity to a championship that’s impossible to call. With consistency proving just as valuable as outright pace, Simmerson’s ability to stay in the hunt will be tested as the season reaches its midpoint.
Further down the order, the battle for a first podium of the season continues between Steven Dopson (Dick Lovett Swindon) and Paul Rogers (HR Owen), both sitting on 28 points. A strong weekend at Brands Hatch could see either driver vault into the mix for top honours later in the year.
A Glorious Setting for a Crucial Weekend
Famed for its natural amphitheatre and undulating terrain, Brands Hatch is a cornerstone of British motorsport. Saturday’s race will see drivers tackle the tight, technical Indy circuit, where precision and race starts are critical, while Sunday’s action on the full GP layout promises high-speed thrills and overtaking opportunities aplenty.
The weather forecast is near-perfect, setting the stage for a thrilling weekend of racing that could reshape the title battles in both classes. Fans can expect edge-of-the-seat action, exquisite Ferrari performance, and championship-defining moments as the 2025 Ferrari Challenge UK continues its journey.
Upcoming Rounds
As the season progresses, competitors will head to Donington Park in late July before the grand finale at Silverstone in September:
- Round 3 – Brands Hatch: 21–22 June
- Round 4 – Donington Park: 26–27 July
- Round 5 – Silverstone: 5–7 September
With everything still to play for, Brands Hatch will undoubtedly be a pivotal chapter in this year’s Ferrari Challenge UK story.
