Century Motorsport – Donington Decider: The Final Bow
As the curtain came down on the 2025 British GT season, all eyes turned to Donington Park — the #DoningtonDecider — where everything would be decided. For Century Motorsport, it was a weekend of tension, heartbreak and pride, the #71 crew came agonisingly close to the overall GT4 title, while #14 secured a valiant runner‑up finish in Silver class to take the vice‑championship.
Pre‑Race: Stakes & Strategy
Going into the finale, the margins were thin. The #71 pairing (Ravi Ramyead / Charlie Robertson) entered Donington carrying momentum, and with the championship in play, the pressure was on to maximise the weekend. Meanwhile, in the Silver class, the #14 crew (Branden Templeton / Chris Salkeld) were eyeing a top result to have any chance at clinching their class title but knew they’d have to outperform strong opposition to do so.
Our preparations were meticulous. At the Circuit, Practice and Pre-Qualifying were clean. Qualifying came and all drivers drove brilliantly, putting in seriously competitive times with the #71 qualifying on Pole in Pro-Am class and P2 Overall. The #14 meanwhile qualified P3 in class and P6 Overall. These were two great positions to fight from as the direct championship rival of the #71 qualified P4 Overall.
The Race: Drama, Decisions, Heartbreak and Pride
Start & Early Phase
At lights out, both cars got away solidly. #71 tucked into the pack and held position, avoiding early tussles. #14 likewise made a clean launch, sweeping into traffic carefully but assertively. The first stint passed without major incident — our drivers managing traffic, keeping the tyres in balance, and avoiding contact in tighter sectors.
Pit windows & Driver changes
As the pit window approached, a key variable remained: compensation time. Our second-place finish at Brands Hatch meant serving additional time during the pit stop — a factor that would prove crucial. The team were on top of timing, ensuring no delay, and handing over to the second drivers cleanly. At this point, the standings were tense — #71 remained in championship contention, #14 was doing everything it could to press in Silver.
Weather and Tyre calls
Then the turning point came. Rain came, heavy downpours threatened. The paddock hesitated, do you stay out on slicks or dive for wets? We made the call to stay out on slicks with the 71, banking on the rain not intensifying and hoping to avoid the time loss of an extra pit stop. It was a gamble and one we knew could make or break our title hopes.
For a while, it seemed to pay off. The track stayed manageable and we held position, resisting overtakes from those who pitted. But as the rain came in heavier and then retreated, track conditions fluctuated rapidly. Some who went for wets initially picked off cars in the damp — but as the line dried, slicks regained advantage. It became a razor’s‑edge game of grip vs timing. The 14 meanwhile opted for the gamble of going for wets. Initially it worked brilliantly, limiting the time loss of the stop. However when the rain retreated, the track dried quickly and the tyres rapidly became too hot and it didn’t work out for Chris and Branden to progress any higher.
Final Laps & The Closing Fight
In the closing stages, #71 was locked in a fight for Overall honours. The car was pushing, the drivers were pushing, and every corner was a test. The gaps were tight. Despite a slick pit stop from our crew, the #90 McLaren vaulted ahead after their shorter, penalty-free stop. That move put them into the race lead just as conditions took a dramatic turn — a heavy rain shower rolled in with 40 minutes to go.
This was the moment the race could swing back. The McLaren struggled on slicks in the worsening conditions, while Charlie began closing the gap. He pushed hard, putting the leader under serious pressure as visibility dropped and grip disappeared. The title fight was alive again.
But as quickly as the rain came, it faded — and with the track drying, the McLaren’s performance came back. Brown was able to reclaim the race lead from the Ginetta and edge away. Charlie was putting on a clinical display trying to catch the 17 Optimum Mclaren while defending from the 90 Mclaren behind. We were locked in battle with the 90 Mclaren trying to hold onto P3 as the championship slipped by. Ultimately, the 71 crossed the line just 0.026 behind the 90 Mclaren for P4 Overall in a thrilling battle. It just wasn’t enough with the 15 second compensation pit time conspiring against us to put the 71 into the clutches of the 90 Mclaren. It wasn’t to be as the 17 Mclaren won overall and with it the Overall Championship.
After the wets gamble didn’t pay off for the 14 BMW it was a case of Branden bringing the car home in P3 in class and with it the Silver Vice-Championship just shy of the summit but with pride. The team gave everything. The drivers gave everything.
Reflection & Looking Ahead
This isn’t how we wanted the season to end—but there’s plenty to be proud of. To push the #71 car into title contention in the final round, under variable conditions, is no small feat, finishing Overall Vice-Champions. To secure Vice‑Champion status in Silver as well with the #14 is a testament to consistency, tenacity and fight.
We’ll carry the lessons into next season, come back hungrier and more determined. To the team, pit crew, engineers, mechanics — this was a collective effort from the first practice to the chequered flag. To our drivers: unwavering focus, determination and talent put us right in contention, we’ll be back.
The Final Tally
- #71 P2 in Pro-Am Class, P4 Overall, Championship: 2nd Overall
- #14 P3 in Silver Class, P6 Overall, Championship: 2nd Silver Class
We left everything on the track. From out-qualifying the #17 and #90, to maintaining composure under sustained pressure, to chasing hard in tough conditions — our drivers and team performed at the highest level when it mattered most.
This wasn’t the ending we’d hoped for, but it was a championship campaign defined by resilience, execution, and consistency. Though we fell just short, we leave Donington with our heads high.
Century Motorsport – Proud of the Fight
To Ravi, Charlie, Chris and Branden — you delivered under immense pressure, never gave in, and represented Century Motorsport with class and commitment.
To the crew — your precision in the garage, your calm under pressure, and your hard work across the season made this title fight possible.
