Jimmy Clairet took the spoils at the opening race of the 2025 TCR Europe series at Portimao, controlling the first race from pole position, and heads into the second race with the lead of the drivers’ championship.

Clairet’s win was the third in his career, and the second in a row after winning the final race at Valencia last season. Clairet scored his first pole position in the morning’s qualifying session.

“The feeling was very good (in qualifying),” said Clairet. “The grip was a bit better than yesterday, and we knew we had the pace to fight with the others. In Q2, my lap was really good. I want to thank my dad for all that he does for us, and to the team, they did a fantastic job today.”

“When we saw the entry list we knew it would be really tough this season,” he added. “This year with Audi we have a really good car to compare ourselves with other teams. I was a bit lucky with the crash behind me, as Gené was flying. I tried to manage the tyres and not make any mistakes, and then won the race, so I’m really happy. Tomorrow I’ll start P10, but the championship is long, so from tenth you have to wait for any opportunities to overtake, but my objective tomorrow is to finish in the top ten at the minimum.”

After crossing the line in third, Jenson Brickley was promoted to second after a time penalty for Monlau Motorsport CUPRA team-mate Eric Gené, which granted Brickley both the second spot on the podium, but also the victory in the young drivers’ category - coming from ninth on the grid.

“I was hoping for a top five really from P9 on the grid, as I knew we had the pace. I had a mega start off the line, I passed a few into Turn 1, then there was a coming together in Turn 4 and I just picked up the pieces. Then it was just about managing the tyres, as it was so hot here today.”

Following Gené’s penalty, Team Clairet Sport’s Teddy Clairet was promoted to third, meaning a double-podium result for the French team.

“It’s a good result and good first race for us,” said Teddy Clairet. "My start wasn’t very good, but I was able to get through the mess and I was quite happy, as Jenson did a solid race in front of me and so it was not possible for me to overtake him, but I know I have to work to be a bit better tomorrow.

“We know this can be quite a tricky race, so we’ll try to be intelligent, make a good start, and get some points - but as for today, it’s been a really good day, and I’m really happy for Jimmy.”