Portimao – The battle for the Finals at the 2026 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals reached its decisive stage on Friday. A day of unpredictable weather, intense racing and constantly changing track conditions kept drivers and teams on their toes at the Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve. With sunshine giving way to rain showers and a circuit that dried only slowly, the remaining qualifying heats delivered plenty of action as the competitors fought for their places in Saturday's Finals.
Weather Drama and Fierce Heat Battles Set the Stage for Rotax Grand Finals
- Sunshine, rain and slowly drying track conditions challenge drivers throughout the decisive heats
- Close racing and slipstream battles deliver plenty of excitement ahead of Saturday's Finals
- First Final grids decided as several championship contenders emerge across the nine categories
After Wednesday's weather-related cancellation and Thursday's opening heats, Friday brought the conclusion of the qualifying races. Conditions remained extremely challenging, with drivers repeatedly having to adapt to changing grip levels. Even when the sun returned, parts of the circuit remained damp, adding another variable to the competition.
The characteristics of the Portimão circuit also contributed to the excitement. Its long start-finish straight offers significant slipstream opportunities, encouraging frequent position changes and close battles throughout the field. With every position potentially influencing the combined heat classification, the racing was particularly intense.
At the end of the day, the combined classifications determined the starting order for Saturday's Finals, with the top 36 drivers in each applicable category advancing to the decisive races.
Micro MAX
Artur Ernst (Poland) secured the leading position in the Micro MAX classification after winning Friday's second heat. Starting from pole, the ERNST RACING driver controlled the result and finished 3.252 seconds ahead of Arthur Bowers (United Kingdom).
Nico Thomasen (New Zealand) continued his impressive performance throughout the event. Once again starting ninth, he fought his way to third place, confirming the consistency he had already demonstrated during practice and Thursday's opening heat. Freddie Baker (United Kingdom), winner of the first heat, finished fourth.
The combined classification produced a particularly close outcome. Ernst and Baker both collected 88 points, with Ernst taking the top position thanks to his better qualifying result. Thomasen followed in third with 82 points, ahead of Bowers and Hao-Xuan Qian (China).
Qualifying Heats Classification Micro MAX
1. Artur Ernst (Poland) – 88 points
2. Freddie Baker (United Kingdom) – 88 points
3. Nico Thomasen (New Zealand) – 82 points
4. Arthur Bowers (United Kingdom) – 78 points
5. Hao-Xuan Qian (China) – 72 points
Mini MAX
The highly competitive Mini MAX category delivered another day of intense racing, with four different drivers celebrating heat victories. Albi-Jay Stubbs (United Arab Emirates) opened Friday's action by winning Heat A–C from fifth on the grid. Jan Wozniak (Poland) followed just 0.383 seconds behind, while Joshua Cooke (United Kingdom) secured third place.
In Heat B–D, Teddy Murphy (United Kingdom) produced an impressive recovery. Starting ninth, the KR SPORT driver fought his way to victory, finishing ahead of Cristobal Ricci Olcese (Peru) and Austin Oman (United Kingdom).
The final heats brought further changes at the front. Emilis Capkauskas (Lithuania) charged from ninth to win Heat A–D, while Wozniak continued his strong form with another second-place finish. Meanwhile, Robin Raikkonen (Italy) claimed victory in Heat B–C. The 11-year-old son of 2007 Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Räikkönen secured an important result ahead of Saturday's Final, finishing 6.361 seconds ahead of Kevin Turbo (Italy).
After all three heats, Murphy emerged at the top of the combined classification with 127 points. Wozniak and Cooke followed on 120 points each, with Ricci Olcese fourth on 116 and Chinnaphat Vejabhuti (Thailand) fifth on 110.
Qualifying Heats Classification Mini MAX
1. Teddy Murphy (United Kingdom) – 127 points
2. Jan Wozniak (Poland) – 120 points
3. Joshua Cooke (United Kingdom) – 120 points
4. Cristobal Ricci Olcese (Peru) – 116 points
5. Chinnaphat Vejabhuti (Thailand) – 110 points
E10 Mini
In the new E10 Mini category, Kir Ivanov (United Arab Emirates) underlined his ambitions with a convincing performance in Friday's second heat. The AL AIN RACEWAY driver, who had already secured pole position in qualifying, converted his front-row advantage into victory and recorded the fastest lap of the race. Zach Andrew (United Kingdom) produced a strong recovery from seventh on the grid to finish second, 4.183 seconds behind Ivanov. Yen-Mong Lai (Chinese Taipei) completed the podium, while Rafael Guimaraes (Brazil) and Jamal Pumuram (United Kingdom) rounded out the top five.
The victory moved Ivanov to the top of the combined classification with 91 points, giving him a 13-point advantage over Buddy Hugo (United Kingdom). Andrew followed in third on 76 points, ahead of Ascanio Cardin (Italy) and Lai.
Qualifying Heats Classification E10 Mini
1. Kir Ivanov (United Arab Emirates) – 91 points
2. Buddy Hugo (United Kingdom) – 78 points
3. Zach Andrew (United Kingdom) – 76 points
4. Ascanio Cardin (Italy) – 70 points
5. Yen-Mong Lai (Chinese Taipei) – 69 points
Junior MAX
The 72-driver Junior MAX category delivered another series of exciting races, with established favourites and emerging talents fighting for the leading positions.
Albert Friend (United Kingdom) made a strong impression in Heat A–C. Starting sixth, the DAN HOLLAND RACING driver worked his way to victory, finishing 1.098 seconds ahead of Luca Holmes-Balac (United Kingdom). Giovanni Pistore (Italy) completed the top three, while defending Grand Finals champion Majus Mazinas (Lithuania) finished fourth.
Heat B–D produced another impressive recovery. Teo Policand (France) started from eleventh and fought his way to victory, narrowly beating Maximus Unt (Sweden) by just 0.150 seconds. Hugo Fuentes (Spain) finished third.
The final heats brought additional drama as wet conditions returned. Nikita Ljubimov (Estonia), who had already won Thursday's opening heat, claimed another victory in Heat A–D. Starting fifth, he finished 0.585 seconds ahead of reigning Euro Trophy champion Zdenek Babicek (Czech Republic), with Mazinas taking third.
In Heat B–C, Holmes-Balac converted fourth on the grid into victory. Friend crossed the line among the leading drivers and was classified second following a five-second penalty, while Jenson Chalk (United Kingdom) completed the top three after also receiving a five-second penalty.
Despite the setback, Friend secured the top position in the combined classification with 138 points. Holmes-Balac followed on 128, ahead of Policand with 124 and Mazinas with 120.
Qualifying Heats Classification Junior MAX
1. Albert Friend (United Kingdom) – 138 points
2. Luca Holmes-Balac (United Kingdom) – 128 points
3. Teo Policand (France) – 124 points
4. Majus Mazinas (Lithuania) – 120 points
5. Theo Battisti (France) – 112 points
Senior MAX
Senior MAX produced some of the most spectacular racing of the day, with narrow margins, impressive recoveries and a strong performance from Lewis Gilbert (United Kingdom).
The opening A–C heat belonged to pole-sitter Isaac Malcuit (United States), who defended his position to take victory by just 0.057 seconds over Mattie Hingeley (United Kingdom). Hingeley delivered one of the most impressive drives of the race, advancing from 15th on the grid to second. Yam Pinto (Israel) completed the podium.
Heat B–D saw Gilbert take his first victory of the day. Starting fifth, the POTENZA RACE ENGINES driver moved to the front and finished only 0.130 seconds ahead of Austin Lee (Germany). Sean Butcher (United Kingdom) followed in third.
The third round of heats delivered further action. Ewan Charman (United Kingdom) once again demonstrated his ability to fight through the field. Starting 14th in Heat A–D, the HUNTER MOTORSPORT driver provisionally claimed victory ahead of Hingeley, who had started even further back in 15th. Butcher completed the top three.
Meanwhile, Gilbert continued his impressive form by winning Heat B–C and completing a perfect Friday with two victories. Toms Strele (Latvia) finished second, with defending Grand Finals champion Macauley Bishop (United Kingdom) taking third.
Gilbert secured the top position in the official combined classification with 136 points. Charman followed eight points behind, while Thursday's heat winner Franciszek Sulima (Poland) completed the top three on 126 points. Butcher finished fourth with 123 points, ahead of Lee on 120.
Qualifying Heats Classification Senior MAX
1. Lewis Gilbert (United Kingdom) – 136 points
2. Ewan Charman (United Kingdom) – 128 points
3. Franciszek Sulima (Poland) – 126 points
4. Sean Butcher (United Kingdom) – 123 points
5. Austin Lee (Germany) – 120 points
E20 Senior
The electric E20 Senior category saw another strong performance from Akos Madaras (Hungary), who secured victory in Friday's second heat.
Starting second, the KMS EUROPE driver moved into the lead and finished 1.133 seconds ahead of Lucas Pinheiro dos Sa (Portugal). Andrea Remy (United Arab Emirates) completed the top three, followed by Rayn Kayrouz (United Arab Emirates) and Patrick Thorsvi Askvik (Norway). Madaras also recorded the fastest lap, underlining his strong pace in the challenging conditions.
However, Thursday's heat victory proved decisive for Pinheiro dos Sa in the combined classification. The Portuguese driver secured the top position with 94 points, twelve ahead of Madaras. Remy followed in third on 79 points, ahead of Adam Szabo (Hungary) and Kayrouz.
Qualifying Heats Classification E20 Senior
1. Lucas Pinheiro dos Sa (Portugal) – 94 points
2. Akos Madaras (Hungary) – 82 points
3. Andrea Remy (United Arab Emirates) – 79 points
4. Adam Szabo (Hungary) – 69 points
5. Rayn Kayrouz (United Arab Emirates) – 64 points
E20 Masters
Michel Aboissa (Brazil) delivered a commanding performance in E20 Masters, completing the qualifying heats with two victories from two starts. The LEANDRO KUHN entrant followed Thursday's success with another strong performance on Friday. Starting fourth, Aboissa claimed victory by 0.998 seconds ahead of pole-sitter Carl Cleirbaut (Belgium). Tommy Kvakkesta Nordvang (Norway) completed the podium, while Roman Jager (Germany) and Michele Burzese (Switzerland) followed in fourth and fifth. Jager also recorded the fastest lap of the race.
Aboissa's perfect record gave him the maximum 100 points in the combined classification, establishing a twelve-point advantage over Cleirbaut. Behind the leading pair, the battle was remarkably close. Jager, Burzese and Jorge Matos (Ecuador) all finished on 72 points, with the official classification placing them third, fourth and fifth respectively.
Qualifying Heats Classification E20 Masters
1. Michel Aboissa (Brazil) – 100 points
2. Carl Cleirbaut (Belgium) – 88 points
3. Roman Jager (Germany) – 72 points
4. Michele Burzese (Switzerland) – 72 points
5. Jorge Matos (Ecuador) – 72 points
MAX DD2
The powerful MAX DD2 category continued to deliver intense competition, with Kian Burnard (United Kingdom) and Jakub Bezel (Czech Republic) taking victories in Friday's second round of heats.
Burnard, who had secured overall pole position in qualifying, converted his front-row advantage into victory in Heat A–C. Representing SAM POLLITT RACING, he finished just 0.146 seconds ahead of Xavier Suarez (Chile), underlining the close competition in the category. Tyla Harris (United Arab Emirates) completed the top three after advancing from ninth on the grid.
Heat B–D saw Bezel produce another strong recovery. Starting sixth, the reigning Euro Trophy champion moved through the field to claim victory by 0.550 seconds over three-time Grand Finals winner Mark Kimber (United Kingdom). Hannes Morin (Sweden), winner of Thursday's opening heat, completed the podium.
The final round brought further changes at the front. Edgars Vilcans (Latvia) started fourth in Heat A–D and fought his way to victory, finishing 1.886 seconds ahead of Burnard. Christian Baumgartner (Austria) delivered an impressive recovery from 13th to third.
In Heat B–C, Kimber demonstrated his experience by converting pole position into victory. The DAEMS RACING TEAM driver finished 0.746 seconds ahead of Morin, while Axel Saarniala (Finland) completed the top three.
With consistently strong performances throughout the qualifying heats, Kimber secured the top position in the official combined classification with 144 points. Burnard followed in second on 138 points, while Vilcans and Bezel both collected 126 points. The qualifying tie-break placed Vilcans third and Bezel fourth, ahead of Vigor Hjorvard (Sweden) on 122 points.
Qualifying Heats Classification MAX DD2
1. Mark Kimber (United Kingdom) – 144 points
2. Kian Burnard (United Kingdom) – 138 points
3. Edgars Vilcans (Latvia) – 126 points
4. Jakub Bezel (Czech Republic) – 126 points
5. Vigor Hjorvard (Sweden) – 122 points
MAX DD2 Masters
The MAX DD2 Masters category continued to deliver a fascinating battle between former Grand Finals winners.
Nicolas Picot (France), winner of the 2024 Grand Finals and reigning Euro Trophy champion, converted pole position into victory in Friday's second heat. The Frenchman finished 1.365 seconds ahead of defending Grand Finals champion Martynas Tankevicius (Lithuania), while Charles Seguin (France) produced an impressive recovery from twelfth on the grid to finish third. Joao Cunha (Brazil) secured fourth place, with Jannik Nielsen (Denmark) completing the top five.
Despite Picot's victory, Tankevicius retained the overall lead in the combined classification. The Lithuanian finished the heats with 94 points, just three ahead of Picot. Nielsen followed in third with 80 points, while Jim Ringelberg (Netherlands) and Cunha completed the top five on 70 points each.
Qualifying Heats Classification MAX DD2 Masters
1. Martynas Tankevicius (Lithuania) – 94 points
2. Nicolas Picot (France) – 91 points
3. Jannik Nielsen (Denmark) – 80 points
4. Jim Ringelberg (Netherlands) – 70 points
5. Joao Cunha (Brazil) – 70 points
Everything Is Ready for the Grand Finals
After an intense day of racing in constantly changing conditions, the 2026 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals are approaching their climax. The unusual weather has provided an additional challenge throughout the event, while the long start-finish straight at Portimão has contributed to exciting slipstream battles and closely contested races.
Several drivers have confirmed their status as leading contenders, while others have emerged through impressive recoveries and consistent performances during the qualifying heats. Saturday, November 14, will bring the decisive Finals across all nine categories, followed by the traditional Prize Giving Ceremony.