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Florindo prepares for “biggest challenge of career” as first WTCR Race of Portugal wildcard

Edgar Florindo has described his selection as a wildcard entrant at WTCR Race of Portugal next month as the "biggest challenge" of his promising career.

Florindo, 30, will be in action when the WTCR - FIA World Touring Car Cup presented by OSCARO heads to the demanding Vila Real street circuit from 22-24 June.

"I feel proud and very satisfied," said the Vila Real resident, who claimed eight consecutive podiums, including two victories, in TCR Portugal last season. "I will find some of the best touring car drivers in the world on the best circuit in the world, Vila Real. I always liked challenges and this is the biggest of my career yet. WTCR OSCARO is full of top drivers with a lot of experience but I know the track very well and I trust myself to achieve the best results."

Having started his competition career in 2014 and currently competing in the TCR section of the CER (Spanish endurance championship), Florindo will race a Cupra TCR for Veloso Motorsport.

"I don't have specific goals, but I have a commitment to myself to do my best on the track and, above all, to this city," Florindo continued. "I know my responsibility, which is to represent a city full of motorsport fans, the same city that gave and still gives us excellent drivers. I believe that with determination, work and the support of the huge crowd of Vila Real we will have good results."

A maximum of two wildcards per event are being given the opportunity to race in WTCR OSCARO in 2018. Championship promoter Eurosport Events, in conjunction with motorsport's world governing body, the FIA, will select candidates based on performances at national level, their potential as future full-time WTCR drivers or if their participation has the potential to attract additional interest from fans and media.

"There were lots of interested drivers in being a wildcard at WTCR Race of Portugal and, of course, I was one of them," Florindo explained. "The dream came true with the great help of my sponsors, the racing team Veloso Motorsport, the town hall of Vila Real and Tiago Monteiro. I am especially thankful to Tiago for being so supportive. I am really motivated and I will enjoy each and every second from now on."

Florindo's wildcard entry for WTCR Race of Portugal was announced live on Vila Real's Facebook page at 20h30 local time. The identity of the second wildcard will be revealed in due course.

Zdroj: fiawtcr.com