The Five Key Moments of 2024 According to Diogo Ferrão

As the 2024 season of the Iberian Supercars, Campeonato de Portugal de Velocidade, and Supercars Jarama RACE reaches its midpoint, it is clear that this year has been exceptional for motorsport enthusiasts. With competitive grids and thrilling races, the season has captured the attention of both live audiences and television viewers alike. To better understand what has made 2024 a standout year, we spoke with Diogo Ferrão, CEO of Race Ready, the organisation responsible for these championships.

Diogo Ferrão, a key figure in the world of Iberian motorsport, leads the team that meticulously organises these three prestigious events. With his insider’s perspective, he is uniquely positioned to share the moments and trends that have defined the season thus far.

1. A Growing Number of Competitors

“If someone had told me in 2022 that we would have grids of forty cars just two years later, I might have found it hard to believe—not because I doubted our project, but because building a championship with credibility and stability takes time. However, in 2024, the Iberian Supercars have consistently featured over thirty cars on the grid. And it’s not just the numbers that are impressive; the calibre of drivers, teams, and vehicles is truly remarkable.

This success speaks volumes about the faith the Iberian motorsport community has in our serious and consistent approach to the championship. We’re committed to improving any areas that need attention and ensuring we continue to earn the trust of all participants.”

2. Thrilling Finishes

“One of the season's most exciting moments happened during the second race in Jerez. The race was decided in the final lap, with César Machado overtaking Miguel Lobo to take the lead. The top three drivers, each in cars from different manufacturers, crossed the finish line within just 1.126 seconds of each other after 45 minutes of intense racing. Nerea Martí was just 0.003 seconds behind the Porsche from Veloso Motorsport.

This race is a perfect example of how closely contested the races have been this season. The fierce competition has been a hallmark of the 2024 events, from Jarama to Estoril, with battles for position that have thrilled both live spectators and TV audiences. The high level of competition is supported by well-crafted regulations that promote such exciting racing.”

3. Expanded Television Coverage

“Since 2022, we’ve had television broadcasts in Portugal, but we are an Iberian championship, and it was crucial to secure television presence in Spain as well. This year, we partnered with DAZN España, which allows us to provide broader media exposure for our Spanish drivers, teams, and sponsors. This partnership, along with our ongoing coverage with A Bola TV and our social media channels, significantly enhances our reach across the Iberian Peninsula.

This expanded coverage is a major step forward in making our championships more visible and attractive to all stakeholders, including drivers, teams, sponsors, and fans. However, we’re always looking for ways to improve and expand our reach.”

4. Increasing Fan Engagement

“Having large, competitive grids is one of our main goals, but we also want fans at the tracks, feeling the thrill of the races and sharing their excitement with others. Our aim is for each event to be a grand celebration.

This year, we’ve seen excellent turnout, particularly at Jarama and Estoril, with grandstands filled and paddocks buzzing with enthusiastic spectators. It’s encouraging to see this level of engagement, and we believe many of these fans will return for future events.

Moreover, we’ve noticed the return of notable figures who had been absent from the paddocks for years. Their presence at our races demonstrates the growing interest in the Iberian Supercars, Campeonato de Portugal de Velocidade, and Supercars Jarama RACE.”

5. Strong Manufacturer Involvement

“It’s been decades since an Iberian championship has seen such strong manufacturer participation. This year, Aston Martin Racing, BMW M Motorsport, Mercedes AMG, and Toyota Gazoo Racing have all sent support trucks and engineers to our races. We also have teams backed by the importers of Aston Martin, BMW, McLaren, and Toyota.

This level of involvement highlights the growing importance of our championship on the European stage, making it one of the most competitive GT4 categories on the continent. The teams benefit from direct manufacturer support, reducing their need to carry extensive spare parts.

We’re committed to continuing our work to attract even more manufacturers to our paddock, further strengthening the championship.”

Diogo Ferrão’s insights paint a vivid picture of the 2024 season, showcasing why this year has been a remarkable success for the Iberian Supercars, Campeonato de Portugal de Velocidade, and Supercars Jarama RACE. As the season progresses, the excitement is sure to continue, solidifying 2024 as a year to remember in the world of motorsport.

Photography by Press Office