Round 1 – Portimão – 20–22 February 2026
Autódromo Internacional do Algarve
The 2026 season kicks off at one of the most spectacular and demanding circuits in Europe: Autódromo Internacional do Algarve – Portimão. This iconic track will be an absolute first for driver Luca Viisoreanu and the TC Racing team.
Circuit history
Opened in 2008, Autódromo Internacional do Algarve is internationally recognized for its unique layout and the challenges it presents to drivers. The circuit is famous for its significant elevation changes, high-speed corners, and sections with limited visibility, and is considered one of the most technical tracks in Europe.
Over the years, Portimão has hosted top-level competitions such as Formula 1, MotoGP, World Superbike, ELMS, as well as numerous single-seater championships, strengthening its reputation as a benchmark venue in motorsport.
Technical data
- Length: 4.653 km
- Corners: 15 (9 right, 6 left)
- Elevation changes: very pronounced
- Character: fast, technical, extremely physically demanding
A new challenge for Luca Viisoreanu
The Portimão round will mark Luca Viisoreanu’s first appearance on this circuit, adding an extra layer of challenge to the start of the 2026 season.
With no prior experience on this track, the focus will be on:
- rapid adaptation to a completely unfamiliar circuit;
- simulator work and data analysis;
- close collaboration with the team’s engineers;
- consistency and progress throughout the weekend.
Portimão is a circuit that rewards driving intelligence, progressively built confidence, and the ability to learn quickly — essential qualities in the development of a young driver.
The first race of the 2026 season
As the opening round of the season, Portimão will provide the first real indicators of competitive level, adaptation to the car, and the effectiveness of teamwork.
The main objective for this first weekend is to gain experience, build a solid pace, and develop an in-depth understanding of a circuit renowned for its complexity.
Looking ahead
The debut at Portimão marks an important moment in Luca Viisoreanu’s 2026 season — his first contact with a new circuit in a demanding competitive environment.
Updates, conclusions, and results from this first round will be published after the race weekend concludes.
Conclusions
“A new team, a new car, new beginnings. The season kicked off at Portimão with the first round of the Spanish Winter Championship. I learned a lot — especially about how the Dallara 326 behaves in different conditions. Pole position in Race 2 showed me we have the pace. Now we need to put everything together at Jarama.”
20–22 February 2026 — Luca Viișoreanu’s Eurocup-3 debut concluded with valuable lessons and important experience in the new Dallara 326 single-seater.
- Race 1: 21st overall
- Race 2 (Sprint Race): Started from POLE POSITION (reverse grid) → Finished 21st after a spin late in the race
- Race 3: 17th overall — a clear improvement compared to the previous races
✅ Fast adaptation — First experience with the Dallara 326 and the Toyota turbo engine
✅ Pole position in Race 2 — Shows the potential when the reverse-grid system comes into play
✅ Visible progress — From 21st in Race 1 to 17th in Race 3
✅ Zero technical retirements — Strong reliability for a debut
📍 Setup needs refinement — The car’s balance must be adjusted for technical circuits
📍 Qualifying pace — Needs improvement to start closer to the front in races
📍 Incident management — The spin in Race 2 cost valuable positions
📍 Race consistency — Finishing all races is fundamental