Over the weekend of 26–27 July, the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli UK, for the fourth round of the season, stopped off for the leg at the historic British circuit of Donington, the oldest still in operation. The British series has reached its crucial phase, with the final round scheduled at Silverstone on 5-6-7 September.

Perfect weekend for Yates. Pole position and win in Race-1, pole position and win in Race-2. It could hardly have been a better weekend in the Trofeo Pirelli for Gilbert Yates (Charles Hurst), now close to clinching his second consecutive title after the 2024 crown. The Northern Irish driver set the pace right from the start. Over the season he has taken seven wins in eight races, showing composure and consistency at the steering wheel. The only one to stay close, and never giving up – at Donington as throughout the season – was Pranav Vangala. The young HR Owen driver heads into the final leg with one win and seven runner-up spots.

Clean sweep also for Dewhirst. In Coppa Shell, as for Yates, Mike Dewhirst (Dick Lovett Swindon) also enjoyed the kind of weekend every driver dreams of: pole position and win in Race-1 on Saturday, and the same result in Race-2 on Sunday. With his twin wins, Dewhirst has one hand on the championship title, though he’ll need to defend a position 22 points clear of Peter Hunter (Stratstone Manchester), second in both weekend races, at Silverstone. On Saturday, Hunter went off track in the early moments of the race, but stood out with a determined comeback.

First joy for Howell and Dopson. First podium of the season in Coppa Shell for Darren Howell, in Race-1. The JCT600 Leeds driver did well to confirm the strong pace shown in qualifying and received warm support from his fans at Donington. In Race-2, the protagonist was Steven Dopson (Dick Lovett Swindon), who skilfully held off the threat of Paul Rogers (HR Owen) close behind. His race craft earned him the first podium of his Ferrari Challenge UK career.

Second podium for young Samorukov. Fedor Samorukov is gaining speed and consistency, both in qualifying and in the race. In the Trofeo Pirelli, on his first appearance in the Ferrari Challenge UK, the HR Owen driver claimed his second podium of the season in Race-2, following the one taken in Race-2 at Brands Hatch. In Race-1, it was Paul Simmerson (Graypaul Birmingham) who took the third step of the podium.

Strong turnout. In a more “English” atmosphere, after the sweltering temperatures at Oulton Park and Brands Hatch, a large number of spectators turned out for the two days on the track at Donington, enjoying the many Prancing Horse models in the paddock.

The standings. Thanks to a pair of wins at Donington, Yates now leads the Trofeo Pirelli championship standings with 136 points. Vangala sits second with 104, followed by Simmerson in third on 86. In Coppa Shell, Dewhirst has collected 126 points, Hunter 104, Rogers 62. In the team standings, HR Owen leads with 158 points: following are Charles Hurst (132), Dick Lovett Swindon (126), Graypaul Birmingham (112) and Stratstone Manchester (100). During the final round of the season at Silverstone – the ultimate home of British motorsport – we will find out who the title winners are.