Portuguese switch: from Estoril to Algarve

The WTCC Race of Portugal will take place at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve and not at the Estoril as it was originally planned.

The switch, motivated by logistics reasons, was approved today by the World Motor Sport Council. The date of the event remains the same, June 3.

The circuit close to Portimão had already hosted a WTCC event back in 2010, when local hero Tiago Monteiro and Gabriele Tarquini won one race apiece for SEAT.

“I am very pleased to go back there,” said championship promoter Marcello Lotti. “The track layout suits very well touring car competitions and in 2010 we had two exciting races. And a very good crowd as well.”

The circuit CEO Paulo Pinheiro echoed: “We are delighted to host the WTCC once again. This is the coronation of a three-year work that we have done to develop the track and its facilities. The WTCC event in 2010 was a major success and we are sure that this year’s race meeting will be even better, thanks to the manufacturers’ participation and the fact that Tiago Monteiro is one of the top drivers in the championship.”