Mikael Karlsson returns while Raphaël Fournier misses Vila Real

Mikael Karlsson will be back in the FIA TCR World Tour for the Vila Real round this weekend while Raphaël Fournier is out due to an injury.

The Swedish driver, who clinched the 2024 STCC title, will race a Honda for ALM Motorsport alongside regular driver Jenson Brickley.

Fournier meanwhile was involved in an incident during the previous round at Paul Ricard where he sustained an injury which later has led to an infection.

The Frenchman’s doctor has advised him to not race this weekend, meaning that Julien Briché will also miss this race as the JSB Compétition team will not travel to Vila Real.

“Raphaël was very much looking forward to competing in Vila Real and is disappointed not to be able to race, but his health and safety have to come first,” said Stéphane Fournier, Raphaël’s father.