Portuguese racer Edgar Florindo has been announced as the first wildcard entrant for the FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) races on the streets of Vila Real next month.
The 30-year-old Vila Real resident will get behind the wheel of a CUPRA TCR run by local team Veloso Motorsport for his home race.
Flornido only began competing in 2014 and has previously competed in the TCR category in the Spanish Endurance Championship (CER).
“I feel proud and very satisfied,” said Florindo. “I will find some of the best touring car drivers in the world on the best circuit in the world, Vila Real.
“I always liked challenges and this is the biggest of my career yet. WTCR OSCARO is full of top drivers with a lot of experience but I know the track very well and I trust myself to achieve the best results.
“I don’t have specific goals, but I have a commitment to myself to do my best on the track and, above all, to this city. I know my responsibility, which is to represent a city full of motorsport fans, the same city that gave and still gives us excellent drivers.
“I believe that with determination, work and the support of the huge crowd of Vila Real we will have good results.
“There were lots of interested drivers in being a wildcard at WTCR Race of Portugal and, of course, I was one of them.
“The dream came true with the great help of my sponsors, the racing team Veloso Motorsport, the town hall of Vila Real and Tiago Monteiro. I am especially thankful to Tiago for being so supportive. I am really motivated and I will enjoy each and every second from now on.”