Portimão 4-Hour Race Summary: Final Results and Key Insights
The final classification for the 4 Hours of Portimão concluded without position changes, apart from a notable penalty. The #11 Eurointernational Ligier LMP3 received a five-second penalty for colliding with the #85 R-ace GP Duqueine. This penalty nearly cost them a podium, as the #4 DKR Engineering Ligier, driven by Gillian Henrion, surpassed them on the last lap, resulting in Eurointernational finishing fourth both on the track and in the final standings.
Key Race Outcomes:
- Race Winner: United Autosports (#22 ORECA)
- Podium:
- United Autosports
- IDEC Sport
- DKR Engineering
Regulatory Changes:
Eduardo Freitas announced his departure as Race Director of the ELMS, transitioning to a Senior Advisor role within ELMS race control. Gwen Bourcier is poised to take over as Race Director for the 2027 season.
Championship Highlights:
The LMGT3 championship was decided in the race’s final moments, with Kessel Racing’s #57 Ferrari receiving a three-minute penalty for a Full Course Yellow infringement. This penalty limited the car’s performance by reducing their finishing margin to an official nine seconds, impacting the title race significantly.
Furthermore, both Kessel Racing and the #62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx experienced pivotal pit lane errors, leading to their championship costs. Team Qatar’s penalty resulted from exceeding speed limits during their pit stop.
Stat Summary:
- United Autosports secured its fifth victory at Portimão, halting a seven-year streak of different LMP2 Teams’ champions.
- The #22 driver lineup—Griffin Peebles, Gregoire Saucy, and Ben Hanley—became first-time LMP2 Drivers’ Champions.
- Algarve Pro Racing celebrated its second LMP2 Pro/Am championship, previously winning in 2021.
Paul Lanchere of Team Qatar by Iron Lynx also distinguished himself as the first driver to win consecutive ELMS LMP3 titles since the class’s inception.
Final Notes:
TF Sport’s dominance in recent seasons continued, clinching its fourth ELMS title within three years. Notably, Charlie Eastwood marked a milestone as the first driver to defend a GT Drivers’ title since 2012 within the ELMS.
Overall, the 4 Hours of Portimão provided a dramatic conclusion to the season, with multiple teams laying claim to key records and achievements.
For a detailed race report and statistics, follow the latest from the ELMS series.
