Emotion and History on Day Two of Estoril Classics

The second day of Estoril Classics 2025 confirmed the unique charm of this event, with crowds filling the grandstands and paddock from early on to experience up close the roar of engines from what is truly a moving museum.

Throughout the day, the atmosphere was one of celebration and fascination – the deep growl of endurance classics, the sparkle of dream GTs and the spectacle of touring cars set the Estoril Circuit vibrating with excitement. Among the highlights were legendary machines such as the Ford Capri Zakspeed Turbo and the elegant Ferrari 275 GTB, both showcasing their power and style on track.

The Formula 1 demonstration, held as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of the sport’s top category, once again captivated the grandstands with cars spanning the early days of F1. Yet, the standout moment of the day was the race for Formula 1 single-seaters built up to 1986.

Classic GP: Pure Track Spectacle

With more than two dozen cars on track, the first Classic GP race was a masterclass in intensity and precision. In a twenty-minute sprint at a breathtaking pace, Nick Padmore, behind the wheel of the Lotus 87 Ford Cosworth, and Yutaka Toriba, in the Williams FW07C Ford Cosworth, engaged in a thrilling duel that had the grandstands on their feet.

Both drivers set an incredibly high pace, braking at the limit, with the Japanese driver even making a slight excursion into the escape road at the exit of the Parabolica while attempting to position himself for a bid for the lead. Padmore ultimately triumphed, despite the fierce challenge from his rival.

Behind them, Steven Brooks and Steve Hartley fought a close battle for the final podium spot, with Brooks’ Lotus 91 Ford Cosworth prevailing over Hartley’s McLaren MP4/1 Ford Cosworth after a combative display that thrilled the spectators.

Other Categories: Variety and Excitement

Early in the afternoon, the fifty-strong field of the Iberian Historic Endurance contested the qualifying session that determined the starting grid for the final race of the 2025 Estoril Classics programme. Christian Oldendorff, who swapped his Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2 for an equally impressive Ford GT40, set the fastest time in the timed session and will line up alongside the Porsche 911 3.0 RS of Carlos Brízido/Miguel Lobo on the front row.

The second row will be occupied by Olivier Muytjens in a Ford GT40 and Tom Canning behind the wheel of a Ginetta G10. On the third row will line up the Chevrolet Corvette LS8 of the duo Pedro Bethencourt/Jorge Nogueira Pinto and the small British prototype Merlyn MK4 of Carlos Barbot/Filipe Vieira de Campos.

In the other grids organised by Peter Auto, the history of motorsport was rewritten in every corner. In The Gentlemen Challenge, dedicated to sports cars built before 1966, the elegant 1960 Lotus XV driven by Kyle Tilley lived up to expectations, claiming a commanding victory.

In the Classic Touring Challenge, which recreates the atmosphere of 1960s and 1970s touring cars, John Spiers and Nigel Greensall claimed a thrilling victory in their 1965 Ford Mustang 289, dominating with the sheer sound and brute force of the American V8.

In the Heritage Touring Cup, reserved for the iconic touring cars of the 1970s and 1980s, Sebastian Glaser stood out behind the wheel of his 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL, securing pole position and confirming his status as the favourite for Sunday’s race. Each of these categories, with its own character and history, delivered a day of intense racing where elegance, speed, and nostalgia came together in an unforgettable spectacle.

Dusk at the Estoril Circuit delivered one of the weekend’s most evocative scenes with the running of the Sixties’ Endurance, a category dedicated to GTs and prototypes built before 1965. Inspired by the great marathons of endurance racing’s golden era — Le Mans, Nürburgring and Sebring — this grid revives the romantic spirit of long-distance competition, with driver changes, headlights ablaze, and machines that blend elegance with raw performance.

The battle for victory was intense and worthy of the discipline’s tradition. Maxime Guenat and Guillaume Mahé, who took the win, engaged in a thrilling duel with Armand Mille and Yves Scemama, both pairs at the wheel of a 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupé. The glow of the setting sun reflected on the bodywork provided the perfect ending to a captivating day. Third place went to the 1965 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 of Lee Mowle and Phil Keen, in a race that finished under the lights.

Tickets and Broadcast

Entry to the main straight grandstand is free throughout the weekend, allowing spectators to enjoy these legendary machines up close. Sunday’s Classic GP race will be broadcast on DAZN, delayed, at 14:40 (local time), while all other races can be followed live on the event’s official YouTube channel.

📈 RESULTS: http://peterautoracing.alkamelsystems.com/

⏱️ LIVE TIMING: https://livetiming.alkamelsystems.com/peterautoracing

🖥️ LIVE STREAMING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltxzL6Gvmso