WHO would not want to race a Ferrari?

Marcus Hoggarth certainly did and the York-based driver enjoyed a sensational first season in the iconic Italian sports car.

Competing with city-based motorsport team Ebor GT, Hoggarth switched from the Ginetta GTA G55 series - racing as support class for the British Touring Car Championship - to the Pirelli Ferrari UK Open and GT Cup championships.

He enjoyed immediate success, picking up race wins at Donnington and at Spa Francorchamps, in Belgium, while also picking up two class wins at Silverstone and recording a further six podium positions.

Driving a Ferrari 458, and sponsored by York financial adviser Ardent Finance, Hoggarth is now planning a full assault on the GT Cup next season with championship aims firmly in mind.

“It was our first year in the Ferrari,” he said.

“In the previous two years we had raced in the touring car package with the Ginetta Super Cup. Who wouldn’t want to drive a Ferrari if they got the opportunity?

“It arose because a car became available and, in our time with Ginetta, we had a bit of success but there were a few challenges in terms of reliability so we made a move. It was there and we grabbed it with both hands.”

Added Hoggarth: “The team is delighted with how it has gone. The last two years have been a labour of love but to win at Silverstone was a great feeling. There were 60-odd cars on the grid from McLarens to other Ferraris.

“It was a really high-level competition and it has been a great performance by the whole team to get the two wins.”

Looking ahead, Hoggarth said: “We hope now to do a full season in the GT Cup. If we make that move then the idea is to get the championship. It is separated by classes and we would be racing in the GT C Championship.

“There would be nothing to stop us winning that.”