VILA REAL STREET CIRCUIT: A BAPTISM OF FIRE FOR ROOKIES

SuperCars Endurance GT4 South
Jun 25
4 min read

The Circuito Internacional de Vila Real is one of the standout events of Iberian Supercars sister series Campeonato de Portugal de Velocidade calendar, eagerly anticipated by all drivers - particularly the rookies, for whom it often represents one of the biggest challenges of their careers.

As the premier circuit racing series in Portugal, along with the Iberian Supercars and Supercars España, the Portuguese championship is used to attracting strong crowds. But Vila Real is in a league of its own.

Like the surrounding region, the city of Vila Real has embraced cars and motorsport almost since their inception, having hosted its first motorsport event back in 1931.

It’s no surprise, then, that this year’s event, taking place on the 4th, 5th and 6th of July, will once again see packed grandstands, and fans filling windows, balconies, and rooftops. The passion for motorsport that fills the streets of this northern city is a spectacle in itself, something that never goes unnoticed by drivers, including those who have never raced on the famous "Bila" circuit before.

“Vila Real stands for tradition, passion, and challenge. Racing there is an honour and a responsibility that I embrace with real excitement,” said Ruben Vaquinhas, who races an Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4 for Gianfranco Motorsport, sharing the car with Pedro Bastos Rezende. “It’s one of the season’s highlights: the legendary Vila Real Circuit. For me, it represents more than just a race - it’s a real milestone in my journey as a GT4 driver.”

Luca Staccini, an Italian competing for the first time in the Iberian series this year, had long dreamed of taking on the challenge in the north of Portugal.

“I’m incredibly excited to take part in the Vila Real round. I first heard of the track through the FIA WTCC. I've only competed on a street circuit once, a time attack event at MotoFest Coventry in 2024. Although a very nice experience, I feel this will be a whole new level of challenge, and I can’t wait to experience it,” said Staccini, who shares a Ginetta G55 with British driver Gracie Mitchell, also a newcomer to the circuit.

The rookies set to take on the tight and testing Vila Real street circuit may have an idea of what lies ahead, but only when they hit the tarmac will they truly understand the scale of the task.

Vaquinhas, who currently leads the GT4 Am standings with his teammate, spoke of the respect the track commands: “Racing on a street circuit with so much history brings pride and respect in equal measure. There's naturally a sense of caution—narrow streets, close walls, and constant pressure mean there’s no room for error. But it’s also thrilling to know I’ll be part of the story of one of Portugal’s most iconic racing venues.”

A street circuit as demanding as Vila Real poses an even greater challenge for those who have never raced there. The Italian driver from Tockwith Motorsports has been doing everything possible to prepare. “To prepare for the event, I’ve been putting in a lot of hours on the simulator to get a rough feel for the track layout,” said Staccini. “I’ve also been analysing onboard footage from various cars online with my coach, Jemma Moore. It’s not quite the same as being on the actual circuit, but it’s still excellent practice; especially as I’ve never raced there and still have limited experience in GT racing.”

Roberto Faria, who leads the GT category championship standings alongside teammate Mathieu Martins, is also a Vila Real rookie. However, the Brazilian raced in the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2023 and believes his experience on another iconic street circuit - Monte Carlo - will serve him well. “Driving an F3 car in Monaco helps me approach a race like Vila Real in the Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4. Both are extremely demanding street tracks with minimal margins for error, close barriers and ever-changing grip. That same focus and precision you need for Monaco will be just as important in Vila Real,” explained the Aston Martin Racing Academy driver, racing with Racar Motorsport.

The 21-year-old Brazilian went on to highlight that mental strength and race intelligence may matter more than outright pace: “One thing I learned in Monaco was how vital it is to find the right rhythm—that ‘flow’ in your laps—even with a nimble car like the F3. In GT4, of course, the car is heavier, has ABS, traction control... but the principle of being smooth, precise and smart with your choices is the same. And racing in Monaco requires emotional control—you’re constantly under pressure, knowing one mistake can end it all. That experience is preparing me well for Vila Real, which has the same intense atmosphere, passionate fans close to the action, and no space for errors. In the end, driving on a street circuit is about more than speed, it’s about managing risk, making smart calls, and staying consistent. Everything I learned in Monaco gives me a strong foundation for Vila Real.”

These are the kinds of challenges that elevate drivers to hero status - something well understood by the people of Trás-os-Montes, who show deep respect for the bravery of those racing through the region’s 24 demanding corners.

The nature of the track and the overall event create a deeper bond between the fans and the ‘men behind the wheel’ - a connection that drivers truly value. As Luca Staccini put it: “I’m especially looking forward to the Thursday parade and meeting fans and fellow drivers. I’m a people person, and I always enjoy taking a moment to chat when time allows. I’ll be more than happy to share stickers, take photos, and connect with anyone who comes by to say ‘hi’. As always, I hope to put on a great show for everyone both at the track and watching from home.”

In addition to the immense sporting challenge, the debutants can expect packed grandstands and direct engagement with the fans. For those unable to attend in person, both 50-minute races will be broadcast live on DAZN España and DAZN Portugal, the Race Ready YouTube channel, Motorsport Television Deutschland (in German), and Parc Férme TV (in Italian).