Ballymena’s Peter Willis triumphs with maiden British Talent Cup Victory at Silverstone

Cullybackey teenager Peter Willis #99

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, 16-year-old Ballymena racer Peter Willis clinched his first-ever British Talent Cup victory during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, held from 24-26 May 2025.

The young Northern Irish talent delivered a standout performance in Round 2 of the prestigious motorcycle racing series, solidifying his status as a rising star in UK motorsport.

The British Talent Cup, a key support series for the British Grand Prix, showcases the nation’s most promising young riders competing in the fiercely competitive Moto3 class.

Cullybackey teenager Peter Willis #99

Willis, a standout from Cullybackey, County Antrim, proved his mettle on the iconic Silverstone circuit, navigating challenging conditions to secure a dominant win in Race 2 and climb to fourth in the championship standings.

A Weekend of Grit and Glory

The weekend began with Willis showcasing his pace in Saturday’s qualifying, securing a fourth-place grid slot for Race 1. From the outset, he was a force to be reckoned with, battling within a tight-knit group of seven riders at the front.

The 10-lap race was a high-stakes affair, with Willis leading at multiple points. However, a late-race incident saw him nudged wide on the final lap, costing him a podium finish. Undeterred, Willis fought back to cross the line in a commendable fifth place.

Reflecting on the setback, Willis remained optimistic: “In Race 1, I really thought I had it, but that’s Moto3 racing.” His resilience set the stage for a remarkable comeback in Race 2.

No. 1 spot secured: Cullybackey teenager Peter Willis #99

Sunday’s Race 2 unfolded under challenging wet conditions, with the green light flashing at 8:45am.

Starting from third on the grid, Willis wasted no time asserting himself. By Turn 1, he had surged into second place, and by lap four, he seized the lead.

Demonstrating remarkable composure and pace, Willis set consistently fast laps, building an impressive seven-second gap over his rivals by the race’s closing stages. His faultless performance in the rain secured a commanding victory, marking his first win in the British Talent Cup.

“I’m really happy to take my first win at the British Grand Prix,” Willis said.

“This year I’ve been feeling really comfortable on the bike. We had a successful test in April, and Round 1 at Donington was also a strong weekend for me with a P6 and P7. To come back and win Race 2 by 7 seconds was amazing, the team gave me a perfect bike in the wet and allowed me to run a faultless race from the start.”

A Rising Star in the Championship Chase

Willis’s Silverstone triumph has propelled him to fourth in the British Talent Cup standings, now just 20 points behind the championship leader. With Round 3 at Snetterton looming in June, the young rider is firmly in contention for the 2025 title.

His confidence heading into Silverstone was well-founded, as he noted: “Going into Silverstone, I felt confident that we had the package to fight for podiums.”

The Cullybackey teenager credited his team’s preparation for his success, particularly in the tricky wet conditions of Race 2.

“The team gave me a perfect bike in the wet and allowed me to run a faultless race from the start,” he said. “We’ve still got a lot of races to go in the championship, but we’ll enjoy this moment for a few days before focusing on Round 3 at Snetterton in June.”

A Bright Future for UK Motorsport

Willis’s victory is a testament to the depth of talent in the British Talent Cup, a series designed to nurture the next generation of MotoGP stars. His ability to adapt to Silverstone’s demanding conditions, coupled with his aggressive yet calculated riding style, marks him as a rider to watch.

As the championship progresses, Willis’s performance at the British Grand Prix will undoubtedly serve as a springboard for further success.

With the motorsport community buzzing about his breakthrough win, Willis remains focused on the challenges ahead. The Snetterton round promises more intense competition, but if Silverstone is any indication, Peter Willis is ready to take on the best and continue his ascent in the world of motorcycle racing.

For now, the Cullybackey native and his supporters can celebrate a milestone victory that has firmly placed him on the radar of UK motorsport fans and beyond.