TALES FROM VILA REAL PADDOCK

Just hours before the Supercars Endurance action gets underway, the first changes to the entry list have emerged ahead of the Circuito Internacional de Vila Real round, the second event of the Campeonato de Portugal de Velocidade. Revised driver line-ups and class changes are set to make what will be the largest grid in recent years for the historic street race even more competitive.

The 55th Circuito Internacional de Vila Real officially got underway today in an atmosphere of great excitement. During the afternoon, the Supercars Endurance field paraded through the streets of the city, linking the circuit with the Town Hall, where thousands of spectators gathered to welcome the cars. This was followed by a well-attended autograph session, before drivers and teams were officially received by the local authorities in the Town Hall's Noble Hall, one of the traditional ceremonies marking the start of the event.

Audi steps up to GT4 Pro-Bronze

One of the most significant changes concerns the Veloso Motorsport Audi R8 LMS GT4. Portuguese pair Patrick Cunha and António Veloso, who were originally entered in GT4 Bronze, will now compete in GT4 Pro-Bronze, strengthening what promises to be one of the most competitive classes of the weekend.

The Póvoa de Lanhoso-based team's Audi will face the Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2s of Toyota Gazoo Racing Caetano Portugal, driven by Portuguese Endurance Championship leaders José Carlos Pires and Francisco Abreu, Batina Racing's Orlando Batina and Sérgio Azevedo, last year's Vila Real class winners, and Gianfranco Motorsport's Alexandre Areia and Nuno Afonso.

Patrick Cunha therefore returns to the circuit where he claimed a memorable overall GT4 victory in 2023, while António Veloso takes on the demanding Vila Real street circuit once again after previous appearances in an Abarth 500 and a Ginetta G40.

Manuel Gião returns

Racar Motorsport has also made an important change to its line-up. The #28 Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4 EVO, originally entered for Vasco Oliveira alone, will now be shared with Portuguese racing legend Manuel Gião.

The experienced Portuguese driver, 2022 Supercars Endurance GT4 champion and GT4 Pro winner in the second Vila Real race in 2023, returns to the championship alongside Vasco Oliveira, who claimed a GT4 Bronze victory in the Algarve season opener. Gião's wealth of experience could prove invaluable around one of the most demanding street circuits in Europe, strengthening the Odivelas-based team's ambitions of fighting at the front of the class.

José Maria Marreiros joins the line-up

Veloso Motorsport has also made a late change in GTX. José Maria Marreiros joins Artur Ferreira in the #35 Ligier JS2 R, reuniting the pairing that currently sits second in the Campeonato de Portugal de Velocidade GTX division standings.

After a strong start to the season in the Algarve, both drivers return determined to reduce the gap to the championship leaders and make the most of Vila Real's unique characteristics in their bid to challenge for another class victory.

André Fernandes to race solo in Cup

The AF Motorsport Porsche 911 Cup has also undergone a late change. Ângelo Fontana will no longer be part of the line-up for Vila Real, meaning André Fernandes will tackle the demanding street circuit on his own.

The American Portuguese driver therefore faces an even tougher challenge as he takes on Vítor Costa of Monteiros Competições and Adam Fawsitt of Art of Speed in what promises to be another fiercely contested battle for Cup honours.

Weekend is about to kick off

All the ingredients are therefore in place for another spectacular weekend on the streets of Vila Real. The Supercars Endurance races will take place on Saturday and Sunday as part of the 55th Circuito Internacional de Vila Real programme and will be broadcast live on DAZN Portugal and DAZN Spain.

International coverage will also be provided through Race Ready's digital platforms, with live broadcasts in both English and Spanish, complemented by dedicated coverage for Italy, Germany and Brazil, bringing all the excitement of the iconic Portuguese street circuit to motorsport fans around the world.