Han Sikkens wins the opening Trofeo Pirelli race of the season, with Graham de Zille winning in the Coppa Shell.

Trofeo Pirelli. After a dry Qualifying with Sikkens (H.R. Owen London) taking pole, rain forced the drivers onto wets whilst the cars were on the grid minutes before the start of the race. This meant the drivers had no experience of the new 488 Challenge Evo in wet conditions. The drivers provided exciting action right from the start, with John Dhillon (Graypaul Nottingham) passing Lucky Khera (Graypaul Birmingham) after a few laps. Due to standing water on several corners, the Safety Car was deployed just before the half way point allowed some drivers to make up lost ground, which ultimately created a thrilling re-start where Khera successfully managed to re-take his position from Dhillon after minor contact. Dhillon managed to keep the fast-paced Paul Hogarth (Stratstone Manchester) behind him to secure his position on the podium. The pole sitter, and ultimately race winner, Sikkens commanded the race from the start; he also finished completed the hat trick of pole, race win and fastest lap (53.807s).

Coppa Shell. Following an intense qualifying session, Graham de Zille (Meridien Modena) started from pole position in his class and made a flying start to establish a strong lead and take the first win of the season. Laurent De Meeus (H.R. Owen London) showed real skill working his way from starting 10th on the grid to finish 2nd in his class after making no mistakes in the very challenging conditions. Paul Rogers (JCT600 Brooklands) held his nerve and his qualifying position after driving a clean race in some difficult conditions to complete the podium.

Race 2

Lucky Khera (Graypaul Birmingham) claimed his first win of the season on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit ahead of a combative John Dhillon (Graypaul Nottingham) and Graham de Zille (Meridien Modena), winner of the Coppa Shell. The race concluded the first weekend of the 2021 Ferrari Challenge UK.

Trofeo Pirelli. After another dry qualifying session with Khera taking pole, rain once again forced the drivers onto wets whilst the cars were on the grid minutes before the start of the race. The rain soon eased but the track remained wet and slippery throughout the duration of the race. This meant the drivers had to use their experience from yesterday’s race to navigate the very wet conditions. The drivers provided exciting action right from the start, with Dhillon passing de Zille in the first corner. Dhillon carried his momentum, and, after a few laps, passed Sikkens (H. R. Owen London) by braking late into Graham Hill Bend. Sikkens fought a close battle with the rest of the grid to eventually secure 3rd place on the podium. The race winner, Khera led from start to finish and also earned the fastest lap (1:39.706).

Coppa Shell. Following an intense qualifying session, de Zille continued yesterday’s form and started from pole position in his class, and third overall. De Zille made a flying start to establish a strong lead and take his second win of the season, finishing third overall. In his first Ferrari Challenge UK race weekend, De Meeus (H. R. Owen London)  had an impressive start to his championship, finishing second in both races. Paul Simmerson (Graypaul Birmingham) lost out to De Meeus but still secured his first podium finish of the season. Second place De Meeus secured the fastest lap in his class with a respectable time (1:40.506).

Schedule. The next event in the Ferrari Challenge UK season will be at Donington Park on the 12-13th June.