After the opening sprint rounds of the 2026 GT Winter Series, attention now turns to its endurance outlier: the 6 Hours of Portimão. While the season so far has centred on short-format racing, the Algarve event stands apart as a standalone six-hour contest, demanding a very different approach from teams and drivers.

Strong GT3 field with key storylines

A 20-car field is confirmed for the race at Autódromo do Algarve, led by a 10-car GT3 grid. Among the standout entries is Greystone GT’s McLaren 720S GT3 Evo, featuring Jayden Kelly, Zac Meakin and Louis Prette, all three newly appointed McLaren GT3 Junior Drivers. The Portimão endurance format offers a valuable proving ground for the trio, providing extended mileage and race management experience in a full GT3 endurance environment.

Another notable name on the GT3 entry list is Christian Mansell, who returns to racing after a year away as he continues his transition from single-seater competition into GT3 racing. Entered with Team Motopark, the 6 Hours of Portimão marks his second race in the GT3 class, following his debut at the 24H Dubai, and represents another key step in his adaptation to endurance racing.

Schnitzelalm winners return in different roles

Recent winners Jay Mo Härtling and Kenneth Heyer, who claimed victory at Estoril in the GT Winter Series two weeks ago, are also back on the grid with SR Motorsport by Schnitzelalm. This time, however, the pair split across separate cars and classes, as Härtling steps into the GT4 Mercedes-AMG while Heyer leads the GT2.

Varied GT3 entries confirmed for Portimão

Aston Martin is well represented through Comtoyou Racing and E2P Racing, while Iron Lynx continues its winter programme with Mercedes-AMG machinery. Audi, Porsche and Mercedes-AMG further add to the depth of the top class, with several teams opting for expanded driver line-ups compared to the sprint rounds earlier in the season.

Outside GT3, SR Motorsport by Schnitzelalm also fields the sole GT2 entry, while Cup 2 once again forms a significant part of the grid with five Porsche 992 GT3 Cup cars. GT4 entries complete the multi-class field.

Weekend format

The 6 Hours of Portimão starts with a one-hour free practice session on Saturday, followed by three 15-minute qualifying sessions later the same day. The six-hour endurance race takes place on Sunday, starting at 11:00 local time (12:00 CET) and finishing at 17:00 local time (18:00 CET).

View the full entry list for the 6 hours of Portimão here.

6 HOURS OF PORTIMÃO | ENTRY LIST | PREVIEW | QUALIFYING REPORT | RACE REPORT