The Ferrari Challenge UK
kicked off at Snetterton for the very first round of the 2023 season, running on
the Snetterton 300 configuration, and it was the home for the past weekend to a
strong grid comprised of familiar Ferrari faces and exciting new contenders.
Qualifying 1 - After 2 red flags from several incidents on
the same corner. In-between the stoppages, it was Andrew Morrow (Charles Hurst
Belfast) who set the pace of the Prancing Horses at sunny Snetterton after
claiming the first pole of the campaign, registering an insurmountable 1:53:256
before anyone could retaliate.
Race 1 - Coppa Shell Class, 6 out of 10 drivers were
new to the series. It was a fantastic first race for the new drivers to see the
fruits of their labour following some sharp testing times in line with the
class above. A game of cat and mouse between good friends was heating up just
behind as Paul Hogarth and Paul Simmerson went toe to toe for the final podium
spot with Hogarth crossing the line in 1st place.
Qualifying 2 - Day 1 Coppa Shell winner, Paul Hogarth was the
fastest in class with a 1:54.729, brimming with confidence and looking to
return to the top podium step once again. Just 2 tenths behind him was Stuart
Marston, competing in only his second season of racing and looking to make an
impact going into Race 2 after a fantastic 3rd place in the Race 1.
Race 2 - Coppa
Shell Class - Poleman Hogarth dreamed of the double going into Race 2, but it
wasn’t a straightforward task, because Marston, went straight on the assault,
snatching the lead from the number 6’s grasp within the first few corners. With
Jonathan Satchell occupying the 3rd podium spot, Simmerson made it through the
field having started further back than he would have liked. New driver Rees
found himself in the thick of it, going three abreast into the Bentley Straight
before he spun off, overcooking the turn to let the two ahead fight it out. Simmerson
forced a move up the inside to 3rd after piling on the pressure, before a
collision between 2 of the first-timers meant another Safety Car. Shortly after
the restart, Hogarth took advantage of the slip stream in a compacted field to
regain the top spot and dethrone Marston, putting himself back on track for
another victory. However, the battle was far from over, as Marston relentlessly
tried to recover the position, forcing Hogarth to defend, whilst Simmerson
tried to hang on for 3rd. Hogarth breathed a sigh of a relief as he welcomed
the chequered flag to secure his 2nd victory of the weekend. Marston
took his 2nd podium of the weekend, whilst Satchell took his 1st podium of the
season with a well-earned 3rd place in the final moments.
Coppa Shell Standings:
Double victory sees Hogarth
at the top with 32 points, followed by Marston in 2nd on 23.
Simmerson and Satchell are tied in 3rd with 19 points each.
The second round of the
Ferrari Challenge UK will take place in less than 3 weeks as the series heads
to Oulton Park 19th & 20th May.