Estoril, Portugal. Cypriot driver Tio Ellinas returns to action this weekend at Portugal’s Estoril circuit after opening the Porsche Sprint Challenge Southern Europe season with a podium finish at Portimao.
Weather disruption at Portimao
The opening round at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve was disrupted by persistent rain, low grip and strong winds that affected running across the weekend.
Qualifying result
Ellinas qualified fifth in the sport division in a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992), a position that proved decisive as conditions deteriorated on Sunday.
Race 1 podium
Race 1 developed into a closely fought contest at the front, with several lead changes in the opening laps. Timing data showed Ellinas briefly leading before settling into the podium battle, eventually finishing third after 17 laps to secure his first trophy of the season.
Race 2 fourth place
Race 2 followed later on Sunday under similar conditions. Ellinas ran consistently inside the top five and finished fourth, just over 24 seconds behind the winner.
Ellinas reaction
“It’s a good way to start the programme,” Ellinas said. “We were in the fight straight away, even with the conditions changing all weekend. The Race 1 podium matters, and putting the Cyprus flag on the podium here is something I’m proud of.”
What will you be watching for in Tio Ellinas’s weekend at Estoril?