Portuguese round switches from Estoril to Portimão

The World Touring Car Championship round in Portugal has been switched from the previously scheduled Estoril to the Algarve circuit in June.

The change has been made for logistical reasons. The round hosts the final round of the European season before the cars are shipped to South America for the next round which will take place in Curitiba, Brazil.

“I am very pleased to go back there,” said championship promoter Marcello Lotti. “The track layout suits very well touring car competitions and in 2010 we had two exciting races. And a very good crowd as well.”

The CEO of the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Paulo Pinheiro added: “We are delighted to host the WTCC once again. This is the coronation of a three-year work that we have done to develop the track and its facilities. The WTCC event in 2010 was a major success and we are sure that this year’s race meeting will be even better, thanks to the manufacturers’ participation and the fact that Tiago Monteiro is one of the top drivers in the championship.”