The third round of the Pirelli Ferrari Open Series was held on a very soggy Silverstone National Circuit. FF Corse driver Gary Eastwood seized the initiative in qualifying with his Ferrari 458 Challenge and took overall pole position with a time of 1m9.641s, set on the very last lap of the wet session. Sam Smeeth took pole position for Class 3 driving his Ferrari F430 Challenge with Nick Kaye qualifying in Class 2 pole position in his Ferrari 360.

pics by Jonathan Tremlett

The rain was still holding firm throughout the 25 minute race and the spray was thick in the air as the 14 strong Ferrari field headed into Copse corner for the first time. Gary Eastwood surged into the lead in a determined fashion and was leading by 2.55 seconds at the end of the first lap. Sam Smeeth made a solid start from the front row, heading Class 3 from the 360 of Wayne Marrs and the F430 Challenge of Jacques Duyver. Meanwhile the man on the move was Toby Tarrant-Willis, who was on a charge from the tail of the field in his Ferrari F430 Challenge, and crossed the line running in 6th position overall at the end of the first lap.

Eastwood continued to extend and manage his lead throughout the next 23 laps, eventually ending up a comfortable 13 seconds ahead when the chequered flag fell. Smeeth was second overall and won Class 2 from a fast closing Toby Tarrant-Willis (setting C3 fastest lap). Vance Kearney won Class 1a in his 355 Challenge, just ahead of team-mate and Class 1b driver Paul Brooks (Ferrari 456 GT). David Hathaway had an eventful race, eventually winning Class 2 with the Ferrari 360 Challenge.

pics by Simon Cooke

Click here for results from TSL.

Next meeting: June 4/5 Brands Hatch

Click here to return to the Pirelli Ferrari Open index page.