OLIVIER ALGIERI SET FOR MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY RETURN

Olivier Algieri will return to the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy this season after an impressive cameo appearance on the grid during the latter stages of the 2024 campaign.

The teenager from Llandudno joined forces with Westbourne Motorsport for events at Croft and Silverstone earlier this year and showed impressive pace from the outset on what was his return to competition.

Algieri battled his way to three top ten finishes – and a pair of Rookie Cup wins – at the Croft MINI Festival but there was even better to come at Silverstone in what was the final meeting for the Cooper class alongside the BTCC this season.

Qualifying on the second row of the grid, Algieri picked up his first overall podium finish in the opening race of the weekend and then repeated the feat in race three as part of an impressive 1-2-3-4 result for the Westbourne Motorsport squad – whilst also scoring all three Rookie Cup victories.

Having only contested two meetings, Algieri will now go into the 2025 season amongst the expected front-runners for the Rookie Cup but also has his sights fixed on overall honours as Westbourne bids to defend the title it secured with Harry Hickton this year.

“I’m super excited to be returning to the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy with Westbourne Motorsport, and with the backing of NEX3PL Global Logistics,” he said.

“The two guest rounds i did in 2024 gave me a real insight into the championship and left me wanting more. I am incredibly grateful to be have the support of Westbourne Motorsport, Tommy [Watson] at Mairon Motorsport Management and NEX3PL Global Logistics to help get me on the grid for 2025 and my goal is very much to fight for overall honours.

“With the pace we showed in the six races we did, particularly given the time I’d had in the car compared to the rest of the field, I really believe that I’m ready to rise to the challenge in 2025 and can’t wait to get started.”