The Algarve rollercoaster awaits the second round of Eurocup-3
The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve is set to host its annual Eurocup-3 event this weekend as the continental championship heads to Portugal for its second round of the season. GriffinCore Campos Racing will travel to the neighbouring country with ambitious objectives and its quartet of young talents comprising Alex Powell, Enzo Tarnvanichkul, Thomas Strauven and Patrick Heuzenroeder. All four drivers will be targeting podium finishes at a circuit they know well and one that has traditionally suited the team.
The current campaign got underway at the beginning of May at Circuit Paul Ricard, where both Powell and Tarnvanichkul secured their first podium finishes of the season. Powell finished third in the race that opened the weekend and the American also scored points in the other two races. As a result, he currently sits fifth in the championship standings with 27 points. Tarnvanichkul, meanwhile, claimed second place in Saturday afternoon’s sprint race, with the Thai Red Bull Junior Team driver currently occupying eighth place in the drivers’ standings.
Strauven and Heuzenroeder also opened their points accounts at Le Castellet. The Belgian finished eighth and the Australian tenth after both drivers produced noteworthy comeback drives throughout the weekend.
In the teams’ standings, GriffinCore Campos Racing currently occupies fourth place with a total of 40 points.
The Algarve International Circuit is the newest permanent racing venue in Portugal, having opened in 2008. From the outset, it established itself as a favourite among both drivers and spectators. Its 4.653-kilometre layout features constant elevation changes, blind corners and demanding braking zones. The downhill “Primeira”, the overtaking opportunity provided by “Torre VIP”, and the sweeping “Galp” corner are prime examples of the unique characteristics that have earned Portimão the reputation of being a Spa-Francorchamps of Southern Europe.
Drivers will take to the track on Friday for two free practice sessions. The first qualifying session is scheduled for Saturday at 11:00 and will determine the starting grid for Race 1, which will begin at 12:00. Sunday will follow a similar format, with Q2 at 11:00 and Race 2 at 13:15. All times are CET. Both races will be streamed live on Eurocup-3’s official YouTube channel.
Adrián Campos (Team Principal of Campos Racing): “Portimão is one of the most challenging and exciting circuits on the calendar, both for the drivers and the engineers. We started the season competitively at Paul Ricard, securing podium finishes and valuable points, but we know there is still room for improvement and we are working hard to take another step forward this weekend. Our drivers showed strong pace in France and arrive in Portugal with greater confidence and experience. The objective is clear: to fight consistently at the front and challenge for victories. We have always performed well at Portimão and we are looking forward to another strong weekend as a team.”
