iRacing
Your guide to iRacing’s Portimão 1000 Special Event
The iRacing Portimão 1000 returns for 2026 for its second-ever running, in tribute to a real-world endurance race around the Portuguese venue in 2009 and 2010.This multi-class special event uses older vehicles, not typically seen on iRacing, delivering something a little different from the usual GTP, GT3 and GT4 fare. It therefore acts as a form of sim racing palate cleanser, with drivers adapting to vehicles rarely competed with. It also helps that the circuit is one of Europe’s best, with blind apices and distinct topography.Due to this alluring combination, many of the world’s best iRacing drivers also take part for fun, with Verstappen Racing drivers Diogo Pinto and Gustavo Ariel winning the top split last year.Here’s all you need to know.
When is the iRacing Portimão 1000?
iRacing’s Portimão 1000 special event will take place between Friday 14th and Saturday 15th August 2026.
It runs across two days as the Sim Racing platform will actually host the race multiple times to accommodate those in different time zones.
The available timings are yet to be confirmed by iRacing for this year’s running, but last year there were five time slots to select from.
Cars used in Portimão 1000
Perhaps the most intriguing element of this Special Event is the car selection, split across three classes.
LMP2
- HPD ARX-01c
GT1
- Aston Martin DBR9 GT1
- Chevrolet Corvette C6.R GT1
GT2
- Ford GT GT2
The HPD ARX-01c uses a snarling mid-mounted 3.4-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine, while later versions (01d, 01g) use a less characterful turbocharged V6.
This chassis, over various upgrades and modifications, was used in both European and American championships, and it won its class at the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Nick Leventis, Danny Watts and Jonny Kane even managed to finish fifth overall that year, which at the time was the highest finishing position ever at the storied event for an LMP2 machine.
This legacy is why iRacing preserved it for sim racers, and at the Portimão 1000 it leads the field. In the virtual world, it was formerly used as part of the iRacing Le Mans Sprint & Endurance series, when it ran with LMP1s and GTEs.
This car isn’t included in the base subscription. However, as it is labelled as legacy content, it costs just $2.95 (plus sales tax).
The other vehicles used are also historical content at this point but cost the regular $11.95 (excluding sales tax).
The Ford is the slowest of the classes here, but it’s no slouch, roughly comparable with current GT3 machinery for lap times. The two GT1 cars, meanwhile, were famed in the 2010s for their consistent battling and strong results.
The Corvette won its class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans five times, the Aston Martin twice.
How to Drive Portimão Fast in iRacing
The Algarve International Circuit is often referred to as ‘Portimão’, but in fact, that’s simply the name of the track’s nearest city.
As these are all older vehicles, none have been updated to the iRacing wet weather tyre model, and consequently the race will be dry throughout.
Practice is key, especially if you’re aiming for a strong result or simply consistent performance, and trophi.ai can help with that to learn the circuit (albeit in newer car models) or with specific vehicle setups from Grid-and-Go, which are included with three of trophi.ai’s subscription tiers. If you're looking to improve your pace before race day, check out our guide on how to get faster in iRacing for tips on braking, consistency, racecraft, and building speed over long stints.
While refining your technique for every corner is important, there are three critical areas to look out for.
On the run-up to the first turn, Primeira, the track dives downwards significantly, before rising up again just before the turn-in point. Your braking zone, depending on the vehicle selected, is likely near the bottom of the dip. On the inside of the corner is a large sausage kerb; avoid that at all costs.
Further around the lap is Torre Vip, a tight left-handed hairpin. The corner profile itself isn’t particularly unique, but the approach is downhill, so get used to braking slightly earlier than on a flat surface.
Then there’s the trickiest section, called Portimão after the aforementioned city. It’s a double apex right turn, which could be classified as two separate corners. If the chaining of the braking zone (to the right of the first turn, but as straight as you can, before a late apex for the second element), the complex is blind upon approach thanks to a rising surface profile.
This is undoubtedly the hardest section to get right, and in racing scenarios, watch for others trying to make a pass here, only to sail wide of the second part as you cut back underneath them.
How to Stay Fast in the Portimão 1000
As these cars are from over 20 years ago, they don’t carry modern driver assistance systems. For instance, traction control is present, but anti-lock brakes are absent.
If you’re coming from GT3 or GT4 racing, this will take an adjustment in driving technique, gentler on braking inputs, making pre-race practice essential.
On a less serious note, if you drive in the top class HPD LMP2 car, you’ll get to enjoy the sound of the Aston Martin, with its V12 bark more audible from an outside perspective.
Planning your endurance racing season? Check out our complete iRacing Special Events Calendar for every official Special Event in 2026.
Portimão 1000 Race length and format
The Portimão 1000 lasts for…. 1000km. The clue is in the name. But more specifically, that’s 215 laps (fewer for the GT1 and GT2 categories) and roughly six hours.
It’s also a team event, so a minimum of two drivers per car is required to compete, splitting the time behind the wheel. Last year, there was a 30-minute warm-up session for the 60-car grid, followed by an eight-minute, two-lap qualifying.
Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, trophi.ai is a unique toolkit that provides real-time advice and in-depth analysis, ideal for increasing confidence ahead of a lengthy iRacing Special Event.
You can sign up for the free trial today.
Written by the team at trophi.ai and traxion.gg
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FAQs
FAQ
What date is the iRacing Portimão 1000 in 2026?
The iRacing Portimão 1000 takes place between Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15, 2026.
How long is the iRacing Portimão 1000?
The Portimão 1000 is a 1,000 km endurance race, lasting approximately six hours. The race distance equates to around 215 laps for the LMP2 class, with GT1 and GT2 classes completing fewer laps due to their slower pace.
Do you need a team for the Portimão 1000?
Yes. The Portimão 1000 is a team endurance event, and a minimum of two drivers per car is required to participate. Teams share driving duties throughout the race.
What cars can you use in the Portimão 1000?
The Portimão 1000 features three classes of historic race cars:
LMP2: HPD ARX-01c
GT1: Aston Martin DBR9 GT1 and Chevrolet Corvette C6.R GT1
GT2: Ford GT GT2
These older cars provide a unique endurance racing experience compared to modern GT3 and prototype events.
How many laps is the Portimão 1000?
The Portimão 1000 covers approximately 215 laps for the LMP2 class. GT1 and GT2 competitors complete fewer laps over the same six-hour race due to differences in vehicle performance.
How can I practice for the Portimão 1000?
The best way to prepare is to complete long practice runs, learn the circuit's elevation changes and braking zones, and practice racing in traffic with your chosen car. You can also use trophi.ai to receive real-time AI coaching, personalized lap analysis, and post-session feedback to help you build consistency and confidence before race day.
