Cypriot driver Tio Ellinas is set to compete this weekend at Portugal’s Estoril circuit, following a strong start to the season in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Southern Europe at Portimao. Ellinas claimed third place in the opening race and fourth in the second, earning his first trophy of the 2026 campaign.
The opening round at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve was heavily affected by rain, low grip, and strong winds, challenging all drivers across the weekend.
Ellinas qualified fifth in the Sport Division in his Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992), a position that proved decisive as conditions worsened on Sunday.
Cyprus flag on the podium
Race 1 was a tight battle at the front, with several lead changes in the opening laps. Ellinas briefly led before securing third place after 17 laps, putting the Cyprus flag on the podium.
Race 2 saw similar conditions, with Ellinas running consistently inside the top five and finishing fourth, just over 24 seconds behind the winner.
“It’s a good way to start the programme,” Ellinas said. “We were in the fight straight away, even with the changing conditions all weekend. The Race 1 podium matters, and putting the Cyprus flag on the podium here is something I’m proud of.”
Debut weekend
Ellinas was the only Cypriot in the Sport Division, and his podium marked an early highlight for Quanloop EST1 Racing’s new 2026 line-up. Teammate Alexander Reimann was unable to start either race after a free-practice crash left his car too damaged to continue.
Team principal Raimo Kulli praised Ellinas’ performance. “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.”
Ellinas’ Portimao races are part of a triple Porsche campaign for 2026, alongside the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux and Porsche Carrera Cup France. The team is preparing for a step up to the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and Carrera Cup Deutschland in 2027.