Photo: WTCR

Engine changes aplenty ahead of Vila Real Race 1

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Three drivers will start from the back of the grid, and another is saved by force majeure, after multiple engine changes ahead of and during the race weekend in Portugal.

Already consigned to the back of the grid before the weekend starts is last year’s front-row sitter Mehdi Bennani, in his Sébastien Loeb Racing Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, and the KCMG Honda Civic TCR of Attila Tassi.

Johan Kristoffersson had also changed his engine after his crash in Race 3 at the Nürburgring two weeks’ ago, but as he was the innocent party in a three-driver crash involving Yvan Muller and Nicky Catsburg, he’s been able to change his engine without penalty.

Following qualifying, Comtoyou Racing have opted to change the engine of Frédéric Vervisch, who currently sits fifth in the standings, and had qualified in 21st place.

This means the Belgian also moves to the back of the grid for the first race later this afternoon.