GT Winter Series Estoril: Felix Hirsiger stuns GT3 field with Cup 1 victory in damp Race 1

A drying but treacherous Circuito do Estoril set the scene for a dramatic start to the GT Winter Series weekend, as changing grip levels and multiple safety cars turned the 30-minute Race 1 into a test of control rather than outright pace. Under sunny skies but on a still-damp surface, it was Felix Hirsiger in the #155 Liqui Moly Team Engstler Ferrari 296 Challenge who ultimately stole the spotlight.

Hirsiger controls the race from the front

Hirsiger delivered a standout performance, charging into the lead at the start and never relinquishing it. Launching cleanly from second place, the 2025 Ferrari Challenge Europe champion moved ahead of pole sitter Ignazio Zanon and immediately began to manage the race from the front. Despite pressure from faster GT3 cars behind, the Cup 1 driver controlled the pace superbly and claimed a remarkable overall victory, beating the full GT3 field on merit.

Behind him, Zanon held on to secure second place overall and take victory in the GT3 class with the #66 VSR Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo2. The Italian maintained a measured approach throughout the interrupted race, keeping out of trouble and maximising points. Kenneth Heyer completed the overall podium in third with the #11 SR Motorsport by Schnitzelalm Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo.

Simon Orange finished fourth in the #67 Orange Racing by JMH entry, while Dexter Müller completed the top five for CBRX by SPS after a spin at the start threw him down the order.

Safety cars and mistakes shape a disrupted opening race

The race itself was heavily influenced by safety car periods. An opening neutralisation followed contact between two cars at the start, and shortly after the restart Jonas Karklys spun the #19 Liqui Moly Team Engstler Lamborghini Huracán GT3 while attempting an inside move on Heyer at Turn 1. Although Karklys rejoined and fought his way back into the top five, a late mistake at the final corner sent him through the gravel, dropping him to sixth at the flag.

Another safety car was triggered when Igor Klaya was caught out by the slippery surface and crashed heavily into the guardrail, badly damaging his #07 PTT Racing Team Porsche 992 GT3 Cup and bringing an early end to his race.

Class honours decided as the field regroups

Further down the order, Petar Matic claimed victory in the Cup 4 class after a controlled and consistent drive, keeping clear of trouble in changing conditions. In Cup 2, Oleksii Kikireshko emerged on top, rounding out a competitive class battle.

Sunday’s programme at Estoril continues with Race 2 and Race 3, offering drivers a fresh chance to adapt as conditions evolve and the GT Winter Series field looks to build momentum in Portugal.