PROMOTER PROMISES PACKED GRID FOR VILA REAL RETURN!

The 54th edition of the Circuito Internacional de Vila Real was launched yesterday, with Diogo Ferrão highlighting the significance of the Campeonato de Portugal de Velocidade's return to the legendary Transmontano circuit.

The premier circuit racing championship in Portugal returns this year to the street circuit laid out through Vila Real. Local enthusiasts and those from surrounding areas will witness the nation's top drivers – and international competitors – behind the wheel of dream machinery, including Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, Toyota, and others.

The sight of these high-performance cars tackling the demanding Descida de Mateus has been eagerly anticipated by fans for months. The wait ends on 4th July when the circuit opens for free practice sessions. "I want to thank everyone, especially Vila Real Council and APCIVR, for their immense effort in securing the Campeonato de Portugal de Velocidade for this edition," said Race Ready CEO Diogo Ferrão. "All the teams, all the drivers, are really looking forward to returning to Vila Real this season."

The entry list features prominent names alongside drivers who have proven their worth on international circuits. Diogo Ferrão highlighted two local drivers for obvious reasons: "I want to spotlight two local drivers – Rafael Lobato, a homegrown talent who's already taken a race win this season, and Daniel Teixeira, who has delivered strong performances and is capable of fighting for victory in his class this weekend. I invite everyone to attend; we're set for two exceptional races."

Regarding the field for the 54th edition of Circuito Internacional de Vila Real, Diogo Ferrão promises a packed grid of machines that will need taming on the demanding, narrow streets of the Portuguese circuit. "We could see twenty-five cars on the grid, and the racing will be superb. These will be the fastest cars on the circuit all weekend. The drivers are true heroes to handle those machines at such speeds on a circuit that's feared, yet also generates the most adrenaline over a race weekend," he emphasised.

As always, the atmosphere throughout the three-day event (4th, 5th, and 6th July) will be extraordinary – a key reason participants relish returning. "Drivers love coming here. The crowd, the throng of spectators, the warmth they receive – it's hugely important, they feel genuinely welcomed with open arms. Many come specifically for the affection and the passion of the people of Vila Real have for this circuit," Ferrão concluded.

A packed house is expected in the event of the streets of Vila Real. For those unable to attend, both fifty-minute race stints will be broadcast live on DAZN Spain and Portugal, and streamed on the Race Ready YouTube channel (Spanish), Motorsport Television Deutschland (German), and Parc Fermé TV (Italian).