José Rodrigues has confirmed his participation in the FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) races on the streets of Vila Real later this month, where he will join compatriot Edgar Florindo as a wildcard entry.
Whilst Rodrigues’ team or car has not yet been confirmed, he announced his entry on Thursday night via social media. The Portuguese driver has an association with Target Competition for the past two years racing Honda Civic cars.
The 28-year-old took part in TCR Germany with the team in 2017, having moved from the TCR Portugal series in which he raced in 2016.
Rodrigues then moved to the TCR Italy series for 2018, continuing with Target Competition in a Honda Civic, where he has claimed a best result of third in the most recent race at Le Castellet.
The Portuguese racer is a previous winner on the streets of Vila Real, having taken victory in TCR Portugal in 2016 in the WTCC-supporting race. He also took part in the 2017 ETCC race on the circuit as a one-off entry.
“I am very happy to announce my presence in the WTCR in Vila Real,” said Rodrigues. “Reaching an FIA World Championship [sic] is a child’s dream. It’s amazing to get to the ‘F1’ of touring cars.
“But it is also the culmination of a few years of much effort and passion of all who have supported me here. Representing Portugal is a cause of great pride to me.”