Tio Ellinas returns to competitive racing at Portugal’s Estoril circuit this weekend after achieving an impressive podium finish in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Southern Europe at Portimao. The Cypriot driver secured third place in the first race and followed up with a fourth-place finish in the second, marking a strong start to the season.
Tio ellinas: Challenging Conditions at Portimao
The opening round at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve faced significant disruptions due to adverse weather conditions. Persistent rain, low grip, and strong winds impacted the racing schedule throughout the weekend, challenging drivers’ skills and strategies.
Qualifying and Race Performance
Ellinas qualified fifth in the sport division driving a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992). This qualifying position proved crucial as the weather worsened on Sunday, affecting race dynamics. In Race 1, Ellinas engaged in a fierce battle for the lead, with several lead changes occurring in the early laps. Timing data indicated that he briefly held the lead before settling back into a competitive podium position.
After 17 laps of intense racing, Ellinas finished third, earning his first trophy of the season. Reflecting on the race, he expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and his own resilience in managing the challenging conditions.
Race 2 Insights
The second race on Sunday unfolded under similar weather challenges. Ellinas maintained a consistent position within the top five, ultimately finishing fourth, just over 24 seconds behind the race winner. His ability to remain competitive despite the conditions demonstrates his skill and determination as a driver.
“It’s a good way to start the programme,” Ellinas remarked. “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.”
Team Dynamics and Future Aspirations
Ellinas was the sole Cypriot entrant in the Sport Division at Portimao. His podium finish represents an early success for the new line-up of Quanloop EST1 Racing, as they aim for a strong competitive presence in upcoming events. Unfortunately, Ellinas’ teammate, Alexander Reimann, was unable to participate in the races due to an accident during free practice, which left his vehicle too damaged to continue.
Team principal Raimo Kulli highlighted the strengths observed throughout the weekend. “For Tio, it was a debut weekend with the team, and the baseline was strong from qualifying onwards. Portimao was messy for everyone with the weather, but we came away with a podium and another top-four. The important thing is that Alex is fine,” he stated.
A Broader Campaign for 2026
Ellinas’ performance at Portimao is part of a larger triple campaign for the 2026 season. Alongside the Porsche Sprint Challenge Southern Europe, he is also competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux and the Porsche Carrera Cup France. This ambitious schedule is designed to build towards a future entry into the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and Carrera Cup Deutschland in 2027.
The integration of Ellinas into Quanloop EST1 Racing marks an important step for both the driver and the team. His experience and skill are expected to contribute significantly to their competitive edge in the upcoming races.
Looking Ahead to Estoril
As Tio Ellinas prepares to return to action at Estoril, the expectations are high. The preparation and performance from Portimao have set a solid foundation for the upcoming races. The team’s resilience in the face of challenging conditions will be crucial as they seek to build on their early successes.
Fans and supporters eagerly anticipate seeing Ellinas take to the track once again, hoping for another strong performance that could further elevate his standings in the championship. The Estoril circuit presents new challenges, but with his recent experiences and the backing of his team, Ellinas is primed to make a mark.