TINCKNELL GOES FOR BROKE IN EUROPEAN LE MANS SERIES FINALE

Devon's Harry Tincknell heads for the fifth and final round of the European Le Mans Series in Portugal next Sunday (19 Oct) with his sights set on winning the prestigious title.

Tincknell, from Sidmouth, is placed second in the standings just 10-points off the series lead while his team, JOTA Sport, is one of four still mathematically capable of winning the championship depending on the result in the Four Hours of Estoril.

Exeter-born Harry plus co-drivers Simon Dolan and Filipe Albuquerque have achieved a win plus second and fourth placings together with three 'pole' positions and a fastest race lap in their Dunlop-shod JOTA Sport Zytek in the previous four races.

With a maximum of 26pts up for grabs there are many title permutations. Essentially a 'pole' and win for JOTA with reigning ELMS champions and current series leaders, Signatech Alpine, finishing third or lower would earn the British team and Tincknell the Teams' and Driver's titles respectively.

Located near the Atlantic coast 20-miles from Lisbon, the 13-corner, 2.6-mile Estoril circuit was first built in 1972 with an endurance sportscar race last run there in 2011.

Proceedings in Portugal begin with practice for the 37-car field on Saturday (1100-1230 & 1530-1700). A 20mins qualifying session for grid positions is held on Sunday morning (1000-1020) with the race starting at 1330.

Motors TV will screen the majority of the race 'live' throughout Europe.

* Times quoted are 'local' & UK.

Harry Tincknell (GB). Age: 22. Born: Exeter, Devon. Lives: Sidmouth, Devon (GB):

"We start the Estoril race the same as every other this year, to go as fast as possible and win, but whatever ultimately happens, it's been a great year for JOTA and me personally. Obviously a race win is more important this time as we attempt to snatch the ELMS title & bottom line is that we have to win.

"It's maximum attack but we know we can do it & the Estoril track will suit our Zytek. We tested there at the start of the year and I believe that will prove a valuable experience.

"Unlike Paul Ricard with its very long straight which wasn't so good for us, Estoril has a much shorter straight and slower speed corners. It's a 'traction' circuit that can be hard on tyres.

"I raced at Estoril in a Winter Formula Renault Series in 2008. It's an 'old school' track in terms of if a driver makes a mistake, he or she gets punished as there are no huge run off areas.

"I love this type of track but they are either dying out or are being being modified."