Classic GP opener sets the tone at Estoril
The second day of Estoril Classics brought a vibrant atmosphere to the Estoril Circuit, with the grandstands well filled and the paddock packed with visitors keen not to miss the first Classic GP race, alongside the other races on the programme. The excitement was evident from early on, with Saturday showcasing historic machinery that continues to captivate motorsport fans.
The atmosphere throughout the day was something special. In the grandstands, families and enthusiasts followed every session closely, while the paddock brought together knowledgeable fans taking a close look at the remarkable cars gathered there when they were not out on track. The close interaction between spectators and the cars once again proved to be one of the defining features of Estoril Classics, creating a unique connection between history, competition and a passion for motorsport.
The opening Classic GP race was the highlight of the day. The Lotus 87, driven by Nick Padmore, confirmed the pace it had shown in qualifying to take victory after an intense race featuring several spells of close wheel-to-wheel action. Steven Brooks’ Lotus 91 and Steve Hartley’s McLaren MP4/1, the historic car once raced by John Watson and Niki Lauda, remained closely matched all the way to the chequered flag, with the make-up of the podium uncertain throughout the 13 laps.
The Arrows A4, driven by Simon Fish, underlined the competitiveness of the field by finishing close behind, while the Williams FW07B and Tyrrell 011 completed the top six in a race that faithfully recreated the atmosphere of 1980s Formula 1.
Action in the other races
In Endurance Racing Legends, the imposing Panoz LMP1 Roadster S, making its first appearance in Portugal, once again showed that its exotic configuration does not prevent it from being competitive. Olivier Galant took victory after an intense duel with the pole-sitting DBA 03S, driven by Emile Breitmayer, who finished just six tenths of a second behind.
Mike Newton’s MG EX264 LMP2 completed the podium, followed by the Courage C65 driven by Romain Belleteste and Martin O’Connell. Among the GT cars, Markus Palttala took victory in his imposing Porsche 996 Bi-Turbo GT2 R.
Luc Pierre Verquin’s Lister Knobbly Chevrolet once again demonstrated its agility, taking victory in a Gentlemen Challenge race featuring several Porsche 904/6 Carrera GTSs, driven by local racers Hipólito Pires and Manuel Gião, who finished second, Stephan and Philipp Koenig, and Luca Littardi, all of whom remain key names in this historic racing series.
They were followed by John Emberson and Nigel Greensall in the Morgan SLR and Jean Pascal Cuerel in the Lotus XI, two cars that add elegance and heritage to a grid that keeps the spirit of 1950s and 1960s GT racing alive.
Race Ready organised Iberian Historic Endurance, the competition featuring the largest grid of the weekend, has now set the starting order for tomorrow’s race. Paulo Lima (Ford GT40) and Carlos Barbot/Pedro Matos (Merlyn MK4) will share the front row for the race that will bring the 10th edition of Estoril Classics to a close, with Alex Collins (Ford GT40) and Laurens Jasper (Jaguar E-Type) starting immediately behind.
The second day of Estoril Classics ended with anticipation building for what is still to come. The final Classic GP race will get underway tomorrow at 2:50pm, with live coverage on DAZN5 in Portugal, setting the stage for another day of thrilling action, with historic machinery taking to the track and a paddock that will continue to be a meeting point for everyone who lives and breathes motorsport. The full race programme will also be broadcast live on Race Ready’s YouTube channel.
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