Drivers impressed by racetrack improvements

Rob Huff’s fastest lap in today’s test session set already a new track record for WTCC car on the Circuito da Boavista. Huff’s 2:09.026 improved the previous record of 2:09.308 clocked by Gabriele Tarquini during 2009 qualifying session.

This was mainly due to extensive improvements made to the street circuit located between Porto and Matosinhos.

“I am positively impressed,” said local hero Tiago Monteiro. “The chicanes are now proper chicanes, most of the tarmac is new and smooth, and most of the track is considerably wider. This means that is also faster, but they have provided larger run-off areas that help to correct mistakes. I would say that 90% of the circuit is now very good. In my view they should just resurface the roundabout at Turn 1 and – possibly – the sector in between the houses at rua de Vilarinha and rua de Vila Nova.”

Huff echoed: “The circuit needed to be improved and I think they have done a great job. They have turned what was a special circuit in a VERY special circuit that is actually enjoyable to drive. Look at Turn 4, it used to be a first-gear slow corner, not is a third-gear one. And the chicanes along the back straight are now very challenging.”

Championship promoter Marcello Lotti was also satisfied: “The municipality of Porto, the Portuguese National Sporting Authority and Porto Lazer have put in a huge joint effort to improve the track a lot. They had promised it and they have kept their word.”