A World Touring Car Championship race in Portugal will return to the calendar in 2015, with the series set to visit the Villa Real Circuit in the north of the country.
For Honda’s Tiago Monteiro, the news will represent another chance to race on home soil, with the WTCC having last visited his home country in 2013 at the Circuito da Boavista in Porto.
“I am delighted that the Municipality of Vila Real, Eurosport Events, the WTCC and FPAK have agreed to this,” said Monteiro of the news, which has yet to be officially announced. “I have noticed that the people involved were very motivated to make this event a reality on the WTCC calendar. They should all be congratulated for their efforts.
“For me it’s always very special to race in Portugal, to have the support of the Portuguese public, but above all to be able to have my friends and family around.”
Monteiro has never previously raced at Villa Real, as previously the WTCC has raced on the purpose-built Estoril circuit and the Porto street circuit. The Portuguese recently visited the venue to see what to expect when the WTCC appears there in July 2015.
“I have never raced in Vila Real, but it is curious that the first racing I ever saw live was in Vila Real when I was a child,” explained Monteiro. “I have a lot of family in the area of Tras-os-Montes and I can remember that time perfectly.
“After seeing the circuit I realized why it is in the imagination of so many people. It is an unusual track and very demanding and I have no doubt it will be a festive weekend.”
The WTCC calendar has yet to be officially confirmed, but is expected to be ratified at the FIA World Motorsport Council meeting in Paris on Wednesday.