4 Hours of Portimão

The 4 Hours of Portimão represents a premier endurance race in the European Le Mans Series. This competition brings together Le Mans Prototypes and Grand Touring cars at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal. Teams compete across four distinct categories during this four-hour battle on one of Europe's most challenging circuits.

About the 4 Hours of Portimão

The race weekend features multiple sessions that allow teams to prepare for the main event. Two 90-minute free practice sessions give crews time to adjust their cars to the circuit's unique characteristics. A dedicated 30-minute Bronze Test session provides track time exclusively for FIA-ranked Bronze drivers.

Each category receives a 15-minute qualifying session to determine starting positions. The categories include LMP2, LMP2 Pro/Am, LMP3, and LMGT3. The main race runs for four hours, during which teams push their cars and strategies to claim victory in their respective classes.

The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve

The Portimão circuit opened on November 2, 2008, after seven months of construction. Located near Portimão in Portugal's Algarve region, this facility quickly earned recognition as a world-class racing venue. The circuit holds an FIA Grade 1 license, which qualifies it to host the highest levels of motorsport competition.

The Grand Prix layout used by ELMS measures 4.653 km (2.891 miles) in length. Drivers navigate 16 corners, with 7 left turns and 9 right turns. The track width measures 14 meters on most sections and expands to 18 meters on the start/finish straight.

This circuit stands out for its significant elevation changes. The track features steep climbs and drops, with a maximum gradient of 6.2% uphill and a maximum decline of 12% downhill. Drivers often describe the layout as a roller coaster. The design includes blind crests and off-camber corners that challenge even experienced racers. The track's width creates multiple racing lines and provides excellent overtaking opportunities.

The circuit's design draws inspiration from famous tracks like the Nürburgring and Spa-Francorchamps. Beyond ELMS, the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve has hosted MotoGP, World Superbike, and Formula 1 races. The facility is part of a larger motorsport complex that includes a karting track, off-road park, hotel, apartments, technology park, and sports complex. The venue can accommodate 100,000 spectators, with 16,654 seats in the main stand and 56,288 in other stands.

Categories and Participants

The European Le Mans Series allows up to 47 cars to participate during the season. Each car features a lineup of two to three drivers who share driving duties during the race.

LMP2 serves as the top class in ELMS. This category is reserved for privateer teams that operate independently from manufacturers. Each LMP2 crew must include at least one FIA Silver-rated driver. LMP2 Pro/Am follows similar regulations but requires at least one FIA Bronze-rated driver in the lineup.

LMP3 provides a stepping stone into prototype racing. These purpose-built prototypes offer teams and drivers a platform to develop their skills before moving to higher categories.

LMGT3 features cars based on FIA GT3 regulations. These machines derive from production road cars modified for racing. Manufacturers like Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lexus, Mercedes-AMG, McLaren, and Porsche compete in this class. Each LMGT3 lineup must include at least one FIA Bronze-rated driver and cannot have more than one Gold or Platinum-rated driver.

Technical Regulations

LMP2 Class

All LMP2 cars use a Gibson GK428 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine. This standardized powerplant produces approximately 600 bhp. Teams choose their chassis from one of four constructors: Dallara, Ligier Automotive, Oreca, or Riley Tech/Multimatic. The chassis price is capped at €483,000 to control costs.

Goodyear supplies tyres for both LMP2 and LMP2 Pro/Am classes. All cars run on Excellium Racing 100, a renewable biofuel from TotalEnergies.

LMP3 Class

LMP3 teams select chassis from manufacturers such as Ligier, Duqueine Engineering, Ginetta, and Adess. Gen3 LMP3 cars use a Toyota 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers around 470 horsepower. Michelin serves as the designated tyre supplier for this category.

LMGT3 Class

LMGT3 cars follow current FIA GT3 technical regulations. These vehicles are derived from production road models and modified for competition. Goodyear provides tyres for the LMGT3 category.

History and Notable Facts

The 4 Hours of Portimão joined the European Le Mans Series calendar in 2017. The first edition took place on October 22, 2017. Since then, this race has become a regular fixture at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve.

United Autosports has achieved multiple victories at Portimão in both LMP2 and LMP3 categories. Proton Competition, with Christian Ried as a recurring driver, has also secured several wins at this circuit.

The Iron Dames made history in 2022. Sarah Bovy, Michelle Gatting, and Doriane Pin became the first all-female crew to win an ELMS race in the LMGTE class at Portimão.

One corner at the circuit bears the name of Craig Jones, a former World Supersport rider. The track gained additional international exposure when Amazon Prime's "The Grand Tour" filmed its debut episode at the facility in 2016.