Matt Griffin Reflects on Challenging 2025 British GT Season for Ferrari 296 GT3
Date: October 5, 2025
Location: Donington Park, UK
Matt Griffin has provided insights into a challenging 2025 season for the Spirit of Race Ferrari 296 GT3 in the British GT Championship, leading into the final round at Donington Park. Reflecting on the year, Griffin labeled the experience as an “uphill battle,” particularly highlighting the car’s performance difficulties on tight UK circuits.
The #55 Ferrari, marking a five-year absence for Ferrari from the championship, suffered from long gear ratios that hindered its adaptability on the stop-start UK tracks. “We just can’t get the Ferrari to work around here,” Griffin remarked, explaining that the team often struggled with its gear performance, mainly using only up to fourth gear during races.
Griffin emphasized that the car’s fixed long gear ratios caused it to lose torque in slower corners, a significant disadvantage at technical circuits. “At all of the corners… we’re in first gear but really need a gear lower,” he added, illustrating his frustration with the car at tracks like Oulton Park and Snetterton.
Despite the technical shortcomings, Griffin and co-driver Duncan Cameron demonstrated notable resilience throughout the season. Spirit of Race’s involvement in the European Le Mans Series forced the team to prioritize its ELMS commitments at times, resulting in missed opportunities in the British GT, including the season opener and the Brands Hatch round.
In the Silverstone 500, Griffin showcased potential with a fifth-place qualifying effort before unfortunate contact ended that race prematurely. Despite these setbacks, the team finished seventh and tenth in the entrance races at Snetterton, indicating a stronger performance on less technical circuits.
Looking ahead, Griffin expressed optimism for the 2026 Evo kit, expected to address some of the 296 GT3’s current deficiencies. “Some aero upgrades are coming, which should make things better when you’re following cars,” he noted, underscoring the anticipated changes in gear ratios as a potential game-changer.
Reflecting on the 2025 season as a learning year, Griffin, one of the most experienced drivers in British GT history, acknowledged the importance of competitive balance. “We just need the Ferrari to be more in the window with the other cars,” he stated, hoping for a more competitive showing in the next season.
As the Ferrari 296 GT3 prepares for its 2026 upgrade, the team aims not only to improve its position in British GT but to re-establish Ferrari’s competitive presence in the series.
