4H Portimão: Key Pre-Race Insights

Duncan Cameron’s Career Conclusion
Duncan Cameron is set to retire after today’s race, marking the end of a notable career in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS). Driving for AF Corse and more recently Spirit of Race since 2014, Cameron has secured nine class victories and made five appearances at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, achieving a second-place finish in LMGTE Am in 2017. Today, in his 73rd ELMS start, he will line up eighth in LMGT3 alongside co-drivers Matt Griffin and David Perel.

Alex Quinn’s Stress-Free Run
Nielsen Racing’s Alex Quinn aims for a relaxed race as he partners with Kriton Lentoudis and James Allen in the #27 ORECA 07 – Gibson for the LMP2 Pro/Am category. Already victorious at Circuit Paul Ricard this season, Quinn expressed a desire to enjoy the race without the burdens of championship contention, stating, “No expectations… we just want to go and have fun.”

DKR Engineering Secures LMP2 Pole
Jean Glorieux claimed the first pole position for DKR Engineering in LMP2 Pro/Am, utilizing a tire scrub technique during Thursday’s Bronze Driver Collective Test to enhance qualifying performance.

Ligier European Series Title Decided
In a dramatic finale, August Therbo of M Racing secured a clean sweep of victories in the Ligier European Series’ final round. The JS P4 Championship was awarded to Team Virage, who bested ANS Motorsport via a tiebreaker after both teams ended the season with equal points and wins.

Starting Grid
The front row will see Griffin Peebles and Matthias Kaiser share the spotlight in the #22 United Autosports and #25 Algarve Pro Racing ORECAs, while championship challenger Louis Rousset starts third in the #29 Forestier Racing by Panis ORECA. The grid features several adjustments, including the #59 Racing Spirit of Leman Aston Martin, which received a five-place penalty.

Championship Scenarios
In LMP2, the #22 United Autosports ORECA holds a 14-point lead over #29 Forestier Racing by Panis, with the latter team owning the tiebreaker. A top-four finish ensures the title for the #22 ORECA. The #17 CLX Motorsport Ligier leads the LMP3 standings, with a top-two finish needed to retain its title against the #85 R-ace GP Duqueine.

In LMP2 Pro/Am, multiple teams remain in contention for the championship, each requiring a victory to secure the title. The LMGT3 championship will be decided between the #62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG and the #33 TF Sport Corvette, both needing race wins for guaranteed titles.

Conclusion
With critical title implications and significant driver retirements in the air, fans can expect a thrilling culmination to the 2026 season.

Images courtesy of David Lord, SRO/JEP, and JJ Media.