Strong debut for Félix Porteiro

Félix Porteiro made a sensational entry in touring car competition, setting the fastest lap in the FIA ETC Cup free practice ahead of his BMW Team Italy-Spain fellow driver Zanardi.
“I only had five hours of testing on the car before today, one in Adria and four in Valencia on the Monday after the WTCC race day,” Porteiro said.

“After that second test I was very confident because I set very good lap times compared to those of the WTCC drivers. Therefore I expected to be competitive here. I knew I could make the top five, but it’s even better as I managed to set the fastest lap,” the 23 year old Spaniard said.

Porteiro comes from single-seaters; he achieved brilliant results in the World Series by Renault and took part in the 2006 GP2 series. “To drive a saloon you have to adapt your driving style, because it is completely different from a formula car. However, the feelings you have when you drive at the limit are pretty much the same. And if we talk about races, you normally expect to have more fun with touring cars, because overtaking is easier.”

There are negotiations ongoing that may lead to Porteiro joining BMW Team Italy-Spain for the next year’s World Touring Car Championship.

“I think that I have followed the right path in my racing career so far. I’ve raced in karting and formulae, now it is the right moment to try touring car. That’s why I’m here. Professionally speaking I’m very much interested in the WTCC. Every driver’s priority is Formula 1, but we can’t all get there. The WTCC is one of the best alternatives and getting there with a manufacturer’s team would a great opportunity for a young driver.”