Season Opener in Portimão – Weather Dramas, Setup Challenges, and Two Podium Finishes

The Porsche Sports Cup Suisse kicked off this year at the demanding Algarve International Circuit in Portimão. The track, spectacularly nestled in the hilly landscape of the Algarve, is one of my favourites. Technically challenging, with fast sections and many elevation changes, it offers plenty of racing excitement. After last year’s unfortunate outcome, when I gave away the victory just three laps before the finish, my motivation was especially high: I had unfinished business.

Free Practice – The Battle for Grip and Confidence

In free practice, I initially couldn’t quite match my pace from last year. Even in 2024, Portimão was a challenge. Back then, we had to change the left rear tyre five times because it couldn’t withstand the stress. This year too, it wasn’t easy to build up the necessary confidence through the fast corners. Three spins at the same spot not only cost time but also self-confidence. While we found a setup for race day that suited me in general, it wasn’t quite as competitive as last year. On the plus side, the tires held up. So, likely a bit of a compromise.

Qualifying – Front Row Start

Qualifying took place under tricky conditions: damp patches on the track, fluctuating grip, and cool temperatures demanded full concentration. With no prior test-days under my belt, it was a particular challenge, but I managed to adapt well to the conditions. With a lap time of 1:49.740 (0.7s slower than last year), I qualified in second place, right behind the young Elia Pappacena, who delivered an impressive performance. A positive signal for race day and an important initial benchmark.

Race 1 – Solid Performance but Far from P1

The rolling start went smoothly, although the starting procedure could have used a bit more scrutiny from race control. I managed to hold my position, but Elia was unbeatable that day. As the race went on, tyre pressures rose significantly, which negatively affected the handling. I focused on preserving the tyres and bringing the car safely to the finish. With P2 behind Elia Pappacena and ahead of Patrick Schetty, it was a strong start to the season.

Race 2 – Consistency Secures Another P2

Thanks to the second-fastest lap time in qualifying, I started the second race from the front row again. The start was tighter this time, and I had to keep an eye both ahead and behind in the opening phase. But Elia once again raced in his own league. His pace this weekend was simply out of reach for me and confirmed what we had seen in free practice. I found my rhythm, focused on clean laps, and once again finished the race in P2 – in exactly the same order as in the first race.

Conclusion – Two Podiums, a Clear Benchmark, and Plenty of Motivation

I couldn’t achieve my declared goal of winning the race this weekend. There were various contributing factors: lack of setup and training days, setup issues on a complex track, and an outstanding opponent who made the difference. Elia Pappacena, only 17 years old and a multiple karting champion in Switzerland and Italy, was simply in a league of his own this weekend – despite it being his first race in a Porsche GT4! A young talent we’ll certainly hear a lot more from.

That said, I’m reasonably satisfied with my own performance. I got the most out of the situation and have found a new benchmark for the moment. And those who know me, know: this is the motivation to push my performance even further.

A big thank you to the AMAG First Racing Team as well as my coach this weekend, Simon Trummer and Fredy Barth. Fredy Barth Webpage

Next race: Next weekend I’ll be racing as a guest in the X-GT4 Supersport GT (GT4 Italy), part of the WEC 6h of Imola support program. Another highlight and an exciting opportunity to measure myself on international ground as won’t drive based on different reasons the full saison of the Porsche Sports Cup Suisse.