Arriving at the season finale in third place, 14 points off the championship lead, the #82 Chromevette crew knew it was an all-or-nothing showdown. With seven teams still mathematically in contention, the pressure was on, but TF Sport rose to the occasion.
Their pace was strong from the outset, but it was qualifying that truly showcased their potential. Koizumi delivered a flawless lap to take the trio’s first pole position of the season, earning a crucial extra point and the best possible starting spot for the title decider.
Hiroshi took the start on Saturday afternoon and completed a composed double stint, maintaining the lead through multiple race interruptions.
Andrade took over mid-race and put on a masterclass. Rejoining in fourth due to differing pit strategies, the Angolan ace wasted no time charging forward, pulling off a spectacular move up the inside of Turn 10 to snatch third place before pushing on to the lead.
Eastwood took the wheel for the final stint and brought the car home in style, crossing the line first in class. The victory and full 25 points were enough to seal the LMGT3 championship with an eight-point margin.
The 2025 ELMS campaign was far from straightforward for Andrade and the #82 squad. After a technical DNF in Round 2 left them 12th in the standings, they regrouped and fought back. A breakthrough victory in Imola marked the turning point, followed by a podium in Silverstone that reignited their title hopes.
This triumph marks Rui Andrade’s second European championship following his 2021 Pro-Am title, and his first championship win in an LMGT3 car.
Rui Andrade:
“Winning the championship with Charlie, Hiro, and the entire TF Sport team is an incredible feeling. It has been a tough season, but we never gave up, and today’s result is a reward for all the hard work. I am so proud to fly the Angolan flag high again and to secure my first title in LMGT3. Finally, a huge thank you to all my sponsors and partners for their support.”
Jamie Campbell-Walter, Managing Director, Bullet Sports Management:
“It makes us immensely proud to see Rui’s triumphs. This day was extra special because not only did he deliver a flawless race, showing incredible race craft, but he also claimed his first title in a GT car. Being relatively new to this category, his victory demonstrates his ability to adapt and unleash his full potential under any circumstances.”
And the season is far from over. Rui now shifts focus to the FIA World Endurance Championship finale in Bahrain in just two weeks’ time. Much like in ELMS, he and his teammates head into the decider in third place, only 24 points behind the leaders with 39 still up for grabs, which means the title fight remains wide open.