The eagerly anticipated week of this year's Estoril Classics has arrived, and there are plenty of reasons to head to the Estoril Circuit this weekend.
LAST-MINUTE NEWS
The Tyrrell P34 was already one of the major attractions of this year's Estoril Classics, with one of these cars registered for the Classic GP, but a second model will also feature in the Formula 1 demonstration.
Pierluigi Martini has meticulously restored an original P34 down to the smallest detail, according to the specifications of the 1977 Japanese Grand Prix. The Italian's single-seater sports the steering wheel used by Ronnie Peterson and the seat of Patrick Depailler, as Martini couldn’t fit into Peterson's seat due to their height difference.
Also present in the Formula 1 demonstration will be another Tyrrell, the 021 from 1993. This car was driven by Ukyo Katayama and Andrea De Cesaris, powered by a Yamaha V10 OX10A engine. Fans will have a unique chance to hear the roar of a naturally aspirated V10 engine, capable of exceeding 15,000 rpm, in all its glory.
RACING PERSONALITIES AND BEYOND
The Estoril Classics is an event that attracts motorsport fans, gentlemen drivers, as well as stars from the world of motorsport and public figures, thanks to its well-organised, comprehensive programme and the sophisticated, refined atmosphere in the paddock.
One of the returning personalities, having attended last year and in 2021, is Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing. This year, he will team up with Tom Kristensen in Classic Endurance Racing II, driving a Porsche 935, and in the Heritage Touring Cup with a Ford Capri RS 3100.
The Danish driver, Tom Kristensen, needs no introduction—he holds the record for the most wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with nine victories, earning him the nickname "Mr. Le Mans".
Making his debut at the event is expected to be Adrian Newey, the renowned Formula 1 technical director, whose car designs have secured 25 titles for Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull. Recently, Newey has been at the centre of media attention after deciding to leave Red Bull in 2025 for Aston Martin. He will compete in a Ferrari 430 GTC in the Endurance Racing Legends.
Dario Franchitti is another big name attending the Estoril Classics. The Scottish driver made history in the United States, winning four IndyCar titles and three victories at the Indianapolis 500. He will team up with his brother, Marino Franchitti, also a racing driver, in the 2.0L Cup, driving a Porsche 911.
Pierluigi Martini will also be at Estoril Classics. The Italian is best known for his Formula 1 career, where he raced for Minardi and Scuderia Italia. He had a standout moment at the Estoril Circuit during the 1989 Portuguese Grand Prix, where he started and finished in fifth place. Martini, who will be doing a demonstration with a Tyrrell P34, also enjoyed a successful endurance racing career, winning the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans in a BMW V12 LMR.
Outside professional motorsport, but another regular at the Estoril Classics, is François Fillon, former Prime Minister of France. Fillon, the brother of Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (organiser of the 24 Hours of Le Mans), will participate in the Sixties’ Endurance in a 1963 Jaguar Type E 3.8.
A JAM-PACKED PROGRAMME
Over the course of three days, nine categories spanning sixty years of motorsport history will race at high speed across twelve thrilling events, sure to captivate the many fans expected to attend, with three-day tickets already sold out.
As is tradition at Estoril Classics, the headline event will be the Classic GP, featuring Pre-86 Formula 1 cars, with two races scheduled – one on Saturday and another on Sunday. However, the other categories will also deliver unique moments of motorsport history.
Classic Endurance Racing I and II, showcasing GT and prototypes from the great endurance classics between 1966 and 1981, will have their races on Sunday. The grid will feature iconic machines such as the Ford GT40, Lola T70, Porsche 935, and Ferrari 512 BB LM, all with significant historical interest and presence.
The Endurance Racing Legends, featuring endurance machines from the 1990s and 2000s, will hit the track on both Saturday and Sunday for their 40-minute races, with standouts like the Maserati MC12 GT1 and the Lotus Elise GT1.
In The Gentlemen Challenge, spectators will witness stunning machines such as the Porsche 904 or the Alfa Romeo TZ2 across two races on Saturday and Sunday. Meanwhile, Sixties' Endurance will feature masterpieces like the Bizzarrini 5300 GT and Jaguar E-Type on Sunday’s starting grid.
Touring car races always bring high-adrenaline moments for fans, often involving some close-quarters action. The Classic Touring Challenge, with intense duels between Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTAs and Mini Coopers, will take place on Saturday, while the Heritage Touring Cup, featuring fierce battles between Ford and BMW, will be contested on Sunday.
The Iberian Historic Endurance, a race featuring legendary prototypes, GTs, and Touring cars, will have its 50-minute showdown on Sunday, providing the chance to see cars ranging from the renowned Ford GT40 to the popular Datsun 1200.
There will also be Formula 1 demonstrations, one on Saturday and another on Sunday, where fans can catch a glimpse.
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