Valencia to host the Single Seater Series for the first time

The Single Seater Series crosses borders and races in Spain for the first time this season, making its debut at the iconic Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia on 13–14 September, as part of the prestigious Valencia Iberian Racing Festival, which will offer free entry for fans both in the grandstands and the paddock.

For Portugal’s only single-seater competition, this will be the sole round of the 2025 season to take place outside Portuguese soil – a bold move by the organisers to internationalise the championship and raise its competitive profile, while preserving the DNA that sets it apart within the Iberian landscape of classic and contemporary single-seater racing.

The Valencia circuit, renowned for its technical quality and experience in hosting categories such as Formula 3, GP2 Series, Formula E and the World Series by Renault, will provide the perfect stage for the diversity of the Single Seater Series, with a line-up that brings together historic chassis, more recent projects and even unique machines.

Among the confirmed entrants for this international round, several returns and debuts stand out. Making his first-ever appearance in the championship will be Dalmo Pereira Jr., driving a Van Diemen 1600 – a British chassis steeped in talent development tradition and renowned for its balance and agility, particularly effective on technical circuits such as Valencia. The Brazilian driver, whose single-seater is prepared by Speedy Motorsport, brings extensive circuit racing experience, but will make his debut at the Valencian track.

Father-and-son duo Alberto and Tomaz Velez-Grilo will also make their first outing of the 2025 Single Seater Series season this weekend. Regularly seen in the Iberian Historic Endurance, and with past competitive experience, Alberto and Tomaz will take to the track in a Merlyn Mk17 – a historic British chassis that played a key role in various junior single-seater categories in decades past, retaining both its driving appeal and visual allure. Prepared by Garagem João Gomes, the Velez-Grilo family is well known for its respect for the sport’s heritage and its consistently fair presence on track.

Carlos Tavares returns with the iconic Chevron B47, a chassis carrying the DNA of 1970s Formula 3 racing. It remains one of the most admired cars in the paddock, celebrated both for its timeless looks and for the competitiveness it continues to display in the hands of such an experienced and knowledgeable driver.

Christopher Kirby-Higgs lines up with the Funspeed FS 2019, a single-seater developed by Funspeed Racing Engineering in Fundão. Distinctive for its smaller 1000cc engine as well as its Portuguese design and innovative spirit, the car is regarded as something of a rolling laboratory within the grid — a true technical underdog with huge character.

Always one of the favourites for victory among the wingless single-seaters, Francisco Olho Azul returns with his familiar Jamun M97, powered by an 1800cc engine. It is a relatively uncommon chassis, yet one with characteristics that make it highly competitive in the intermediate class. The Wild Motors driver has already shown winning pace, and Valencia will be another opportunity to confirm his growth within the discipline.

Fernando Mayer Gaspar emerges once again as one of the central figures of the competition. In Valencia, he will take the cockpit of a Tatuus FR 2000, under the G-Tech banner, a long-standing pillar of the discipline in Portugal. The team is investing heavily in this trip to Valencia, fielding three cars with the clear ambition of fighting for top positions.

G-Tech will also run the Tatuus FR 2000s of Duarte Pires, leader of his class, and André Pardal, ensuring a strong presence in the PT4R category. Both drivers are expected to be fighting at the front in the two 15-minute races scheduled over the weekend.

With racing held in an atmosphere of close proximity between drivers, teams and fans, the Single Seater Series reinforces its identity in Valencia as a championship that celebrates passion for speed, technical ingenuity and pure competition, all within a welcoming and accessible environment.

Sunday’s race will be broadcast live via livestream on Race Ready’s social media channels.