The 12th year of the King of Portugal confirmed once again why this event stands at the pinnacle of European Ultra4 racing. Held in Vimioso, the race delivered three unforgettable days of fierce competition, breathtaking endurance, and powerful emotion. Seventy teams from 11 nations faced the most demanding course ever designed, turning Portugal’s rugged wilderness into the ultimate battleground. At the heart of it all, Portuguese driver Emanuel Costa once again triumphed in the Unlimited class, cementing his place among the legends of the sport. More than just a race, the 2025 edition honored 12 years of history while paying tribute to Zé Carlos Patrício, whose legacy continues to inspire the entire off-road community.

Photography and Story by Paolo Baraldi

In memory of Zé Carlos Patrício

Vimioso has once again become the beating heart of the Ultra4 world. The King of Portugal 2025, now in its twelfth year, concluded with three days of racing that will be remembered as one of the most spectacular editions in European off-road motorsport history.

From September 25 to 27, 70 teams representing 11 nations tackled the most demanding course ever designed by Clube Nortex4 and José Rui Santos. With 455  (less for the Unlimited) of rocky climbs, brutal technical trials, and high-speed endurance sections, this year’s race was both a tribute to 12 years of history and a leap forward in intensity and scale.

The course combined legendary obstacles—such as Quarry Climb, Stones Avenue, and Devil’s Gate—with the notorious trials of Wild Boar, Turtle, and Dinosaur Eggs. Each 41 km lap was the longest ever in the event’s history, creating a true test of endurance and skill.

The competition opened on Thursday with a 5 km prologue, a short but decisive stage where drivers battled for starting order. The fast-paced course demanded precision and aggression, immediately setting the tone for the race. Thousands of spectators lined the track, cheering every maneuver and obstacle.

Prologue Winners:

Unlimited Class: 77 - Emanuel Costa / Ricardo Silva

Legend Class: 311 - Jan Klingenberg / Daniel Klingenberg

Modified Class: 2713 - Ralf Kuller / Dominik Vorhofer

Stock/UTV Class: 820 – Emanuel Luz / Marco Mateus

Friday’s stage covered 250 km, including the 41 km lap, quickly earning the reputation as the most grueling opening day in King of Portugal history. Competitors faced high-speed riverbed runs, punishing rock sections, and steep climbs that tested both man and machine.

Mechanical failures, rollovers, and navigation errors claimed several teams, reminding everyone that endurance is as critical as speed. By the end of Day 1, the leaders had established their positions, though the field remained competitive.

Day 1 Winners:

Unlimited: 72 António Oliveira / Ricardo Diamantino

Legend: 112 Luís Bacelo / Hugo Martins

Modified: 91 Francisco Fonseca / Carlos Quelhas

Stock/UTV: 19 Pedro Costa / Pedro Campas

Saturday brought the decisive stage: 200 km across the unforgiving Portuguese wilderness. Legendary trails such as the Quarry Climb, Avenue of Stones, Devil’s Gate, and the Wild Boar, Turtle, and Dinosaur Eggs became the ultimate battleground. Precision driving, strategy, and resilience determined the final outcome.

Spectators filled the valleys, their cheers echoing across the hills as competitors fought through every kilometer. In the Unlimited class, Emanuel Costa, second after Day One, overtook António Oliveira just past Devil’s Gate, claiming victory and securing his title as the King of Portugal.

Unlimited:

1°: 77 - Emanuel Costa / Ricardo Silva

2°: 72 - Antonio Oliveira / Ricardo Diamantino

3°: 2211 - Rui Santana / Helder Rocha

Legend:

1°: 112 Luís Bacelo / Hugo Martins

2°: 4822 - Klas Melman / Kristian Larsson

3°: 46 - Joao Ferreira / Luis Valadares

Modified:

1°: 91 Francisco Fonseca / Carlos Quelhas

2°: 2713 - Ralf Kuller / Dominik Vorhofer

3°: 6 - Diogo Mendes / Tiago Alves

Stock/UTV:

1°: 19 Pedro Costa / Pedro Campas

2°: 60 - Paul Rowlands / Ty Boothroyd

3°: 173 - Luis Guimaraes / Gerardo Sampaio

The King of Portugal also served as the grand finale of the Nortex4 Ultra4 South Championship, with double points on the line. Consistency across all racing days determined the overall season champion, proving that true Ultra4 champions are forged through months of relentless competition.

The King of Portugal is more than a race: it is a celebration of community, culture, and passion for off-road motorsport. For a full week, Vimioso became the gathering point for fans, teams, and locals, creating an atmosphere of friendship and shared adventure.

“The 2025 King of Portugal was not just a race—it is dedicated to the memory of Zé Carlos Patrício, one of our most devoted marshals,” said organizer José Rui Santos. “In this twelfth year, while honoring the history of the event and pushing the limits of Ultra4 racing, we wanted to remember Zé Carlos Patrício’s passion and lifelong commitment to the sport. This edition will be remembered not only for the competition but for his enduring legacy, which continues to inspire every competitor, marshal, and fan.”

This year will also be remembered for the loss of Zé Carlos Patrício, one of the event’s most dedicated marshals. His lifelong passion for off-road racing inspired all who knew him, and his memory will forever remain part of the King of Portugal spirit, living on in every competitor, marshal, and fan who shares this passion.

With its dramatic valleys, deep rivers, and centuries of history, Vimioso once again proved to be the perfect stage for Europe’s toughest off-road challenge. Thanks to the unwavering support of the Câmara Municipal de Vimioso, the town proudly reaffirmed its role as the guardian of Portugal’s off-road tradition.