4 STORIES OF 4 PORTUGUESE YOUNGSTERS

The opening round of the 2026 Supercars Endurance season at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve delivered several stories of breakthrough performances, comebacks and competitive progression. Between promising debuts, solid returns and decisive steps in the development of young talent, the season opener revealed four distinct journeys, all sharing a common ambition: growth in an increasingly demanding and competitive racing series.

From the emergence of drivers coming through the Portuguese ASN programme FPAK Júnior Team to progression into higher categories, and from adaptation to new technical challenges to the consolidation of race craft, the first round of the season highlighted how the Supercars Endurance series continues to establish itself as a key development platform for the next generation of drivers, offering a highly competitive environment with growing visibility.

Henrique Moura Oliveira steps up to GT4 elite

For Henrique Moura Oliveira, the Algarve round marked the realisation of a long-standing goal. After competing with the FPAK Júnior Team in 2024 and spending last season in GTX, the driver from Vila Nova de Gaia made his GT4 debut, sharing the Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4 entered by Monteiros Competições with Danish rising star driver Louis Leveau.

The programme was only confirmed in the days leading up to the event, naturally limiting preparation time.Even so, as he admitted, “after my first season with the FPAK Júnior Team and a year in GTX, this was the step I always wanted to take in my career.”

Henrique Moura Oliveira explained that “it was a deal finalised just a few days before the opening round, but with the trust of Monteiros Competições, we were able to make this opportunity happen,” highlighting the support that enabled his step up to the top category. Results of seventh and tenth in GT4 Pro showed clear room for progression.

The Portuguese youngster acknowledged that “we still haven’t had enough time to truly understand the full potential of the car,” but believes the debut provided a solid foundation to build on. His final assessment was pragmatic but ambitious: “We leave the first race knowing there is still a lot of work ahead to achieve the results we want, but also with extra motivation to keep improving and developing this project.”

Gabriel Caçoilo confirms strengthened ambition

Gabriel Caçoilo’s story is one of steady progression built on persistence. After racing with the FPAK Júnior Team in 2023, returning for the second half of 2024, and showing strong potential in the final three races of last season, the driver from Aveiro has finally secured the backing for a full 2026 campaign, continuing in the Ligier JS2 R run by Chefo Sport alongside Máximo Varela.

The opening round could hardly have started better. Victory in the GTX division in race one, coupled with second overall, immediately confirmed the duo’s competitiveness.

Caçoilo admitted his satisfaction at finally achieving his season-long goal, noting that “the aim was to complete the full season,” after a particularly demanding winter. As he put it, “it was a very busy off-season trying to put everything together to make it possible to be here.”

The Algarve performance confirmed that the effort paid off. Race two ended in disappointment on paper – a ninth place in GTX division due to a penalty after crossing the line first – but the pace demonstrated reinforced confidence.

With a more stable programme now in place, ambition is clear. Gabriel Caçoilo stated: “I will keep working to achieve the best possible results, with the goal this year of winning all three championships to improve my record.”

Diogo Castro turns last-minute opportunity into a statement

With no planned programme in Supercars Endurance for 2026, Diogo Castro was handed an unexpected opportunity just days before the Portimão round. An invitation from Tockwith Motorsports to share a Ginetta G55 with Jemma Moore completely changed his season plans, which were initially focused on Caterham one-make series.

Adaptation to the car and the British team structure was immediate and impressive. The driver explained: “This year, after coming through the FPAK Junior Team, I was set to compete only in the Caterham series,” adding that the Algarve Iberian Racing Festival opportunity came at very short notice.

Even so, the response was instant. “On Friday practice alone I was already setting strong lap times, consistently inside the top five, and even set the fastest time in the second session,” he admitted.

Castro was keen to credit his federative training, saying that “the FPAK Junior Team programme is a school we carry forward, with everything we learn from FPAK Junior team driver coach César Campaniço.”

A second-place finish in race two made his potential clear. Despite budget limitations, the driver is keen to return, leaving the Algarve with “a hunger for much more” and a strong determination to prove his value.

Nathan Corbet builds towards BMW M2 Cup Iberia

Nathan Corbet used the Algarve round as an intensive preparation event for his 2026 programme as a new member of the FPAK Júnior Team. Driving a BMW M4 GT4 F82 run by Monteiros Competições alongside Jorge Rocha, the young driver took his first steps in a far more demanding competitive environment. He finished eighth and eleventh in the GTX class, though the results only tell part of the story.

For Corbet, the weekend had a very clear purpose. “The weekend for me was about preparing for the FPAK Junior Team. I drove the BMW M4 GT4 with Monteiros Competições, and it was a unique experience,” he said.

He highlighted the strength of the field, noting that “the competition in this championship is very strong. Even in GTX, where all the cars are different, I felt a good balance between the GT machinery.” The atmosphere also left a strong impression, with the paddock environment and fan interaction standing out as key positives.

On track, Corbet was pleased with his performance. “My stints went very well; I gained seven positions across the stints I completed in both races,” he explained, feeling confident that the experience proved he is ready for the next step.

He is now fully focused on what comes next, saying he is “very excited to be part of the FPAK Junior Team and to represent Portuguese motorsport.”

The next round of the Supercars Endurance, scoring only for the Campeonato de España de Supercars, takes place from 5–7 June at the Circuito de Madrid Jarama – RACE, as part of the Jarama Classic weekend, where these four drivers will once again have the chance to confirm the potential shown at the season opener.