It’s only a few days since the demise of television show Fifth Gear was announced, but former presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson has already found something to do in her spare time. This weekend VBH will be making her Ferrari race debut in an F430 Challenge in the GT Cup finale at Brands Hatch.

Sounds like she’s a bit excited, too “This is a dream come true! To race the F430 Challenge with FF Corse at Brands Hatch in the Finale of the GT Cup is incredible! It will be my first race in a Ferrari but thankfully I know my way around Brands Hatch so I’m very confident I’ll be challenging for a strong finish,”said Vicki.

Nice work, if you can get it. More after the jump.

Vicki Butler-Henderson to Drive Ferrari F430 Challenge in the GT Cup Finale at Brands Hatch

GT Cup: Brands Hatch – October 24th & 25th, 2009

TV Motoring Journalist, Vicki Butler-Henderson, is set to make her Ferrari race debut in a Ferrari F430 Challenge in the GT Cup finale at Brands Hatch this weekend, 24th and 25th October. The fastest lady in racing will be driving a 510hp 4.3 litre mid-engined Ferrari F430 Challenge as part of a two-car entry from Silverstone-based FF Corse. With packed grids of 30 cars from several manufacturers, Vicki will face stiff competition from series regulars in two gruelling 25 minute races on Sunday (qualifying sessions on Saturday).

Although motor racing fans will know Vicki has driven several Ferrari cars both on road and track in her role as Presenter for Channel 5’s Fifth Gear, this is her first time racing in a Ferrari. Vicki commented: “This is a dream come true! To race the F430 Challenge with FF Corse at Brands Hatch in the Finale of the GT Cup is incredible! It will be my first race in a Ferrari but thankfully I know my way around Brands Hatch so I’m very confident I’ll be challenging for a strong finish.”

Indeed, Vicki started her driving career from a very early age, having qualified as a racing instructor at Brands Hatch by the age of 17. Motor racing is also in her blood, stretching as far back as her grandfather who used to race Frazer Nash cars at Brooklands. Vicki continued her grandfather’s winning ways by becoming the first female driver to win an International race for sister Italian sports car brand, Maserati, in the Trofeo support race at the British GP in 2004.

Vicki will be joined in the two-car team by regular FF Corse GT Cup driver Jeff Leadley, who secured a confident victory in last year’s race. Jeff will be hoping to repeat the feat again and add to the four race victories he has already achieved this year.

As always FF Corse would like to extend a warm invitation to all guests and visitors to our pit garage during the event.

Timetable

Saturday 24th October
09h55 – 10h15 Free Practice 1
11h40 – 12h00 Free Practice 2
14h20 – 15h40: Qualifying

Sunday 25th October
11h25 – 11h50: Race 1
14h15 – 14h40: Race 2

FF Corse would like to thank the following for their help and support to enable Vicki to participate in the race:-

• Fox Motorsport
• Pirelli Tyres
• Motorsport Insurance Services
• Xtreme Graphics