European Le Mans - 4 Hours of Portimão

The 4 Hours of Portimão is an endurance sports car race that serves as the final round of the European Le Mans Series season. This ELMS event takes place at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, Portugal. The race runs for four hours and features multiple classes of prototype and GT cars competing together on track.

The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve opened in 2008 and spans 4.653 kilometers. The circuit features 16 corners with significant elevation changes that create a roller-coaster effect. The track offers 32 different configurations and maintains FIA Grade 1 certification. Spectators enjoy excellent views from grandstands positioned around the circuit. The facility includes modern paddock areas, a technology park, and can accommodate up to 100,000 visitors.

The 4 Hours of Portimão brings together teams and drivers from across Europe and beyond. The provisional entry list typically includes around 44 cars from 31 teams representing 27 countries. Nearly 130 drivers compete across four distinct categories. The race features LMP2 prototypes, LMP2 Pro-Am entries, LMP3 cars, and LMGT3 machinery. Teams like VDS Panis Racing, IDEC Sport, and Inter Europol Competition regularly compete at this ELMS event.

LMP2 teams race Oreca 07 chassis powered by Gibson 4.2-liter V8 engines. LMP3 competitors choose between Ligier JS P325, Duqueine D09, and Ginetta G61-LT-P3 Evo chassis, all using turbo Toyota engines. The LMGT3 class welcomes manufacturers including Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, Mercedes-AMG, McLaren, and Corvette. All cars run on renewable biofuel from TotalEnergies. Goodyear supplies tires for LMP2 and LMGT3 classes, while Michelin equips LMP3 cars. Teams follow strict ACO and FIA technical regulations.

Portimão first hosted endurance racing in 2009 and 2010 with the 1000 Kilometres of Algarve as part of the Le Mans Series. Pescarolo Sport won the inaugural event. The race returned to the calendar in 2017 as a four-hour ELMS race. Graff Racing took victory that year with their Oreca 07-Gibson. Cool Racing won the 2023 edition. The circuit has also hosted Formula 1 and MotoGP events, establishing its credentials as a world-class racing venue.

The 4 Hours of Portimão offers particular significance as the ELMS season finale. Championship titles across all classes are often decided at this race. The LMP2, LMP2 Pro-Am, and LMGT3 champions may receive automatic invitations to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This adds extra importance to the racing at Portimão. The challenging circuit layout tests driver skill and car setup. Teams must balance speed with reliability across the four-hour distance.

The European Le Mans Series provides a platform for professional and amateur drivers to compete in endurance racing. The series follows a multi-class format where different categories race simultaneously. This creates varied racing strategies as faster prototypes navigate through GT traffic. The 4 Hours of Portimão showcases this format perfectly on a technical and demanding circuit. Fans can watch close battles across all classes as teams fight for championship positions and race victories.

The Portimão circuit location in the Algarve region offers pleasant weather conditions and easy access for international visitors. The modern facilities support smooth race operations and provide comfort for spectators. The track's design allows multiple racing lines through corners, which promotes overtaking opportunities. This leads to competitive racing throughout the four-hour duration. The combination of fast straights and technical sections challenges every aspect of car performance.

This ELMS event at Portimão combines professional racing with accessible spectating. The race format allows fans to see multiple pit stop cycles and strategy variations. Teams must manage fuel consumption, tire wear, and driver changes while maintaining competitive pace. The championship finale atmosphere adds tension to every lap. Whether following prototype or GT racing, fans find compelling action across the four classes competing at Portimão.