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Remembering when… history was made at WTCR track Vila Real

World championship motor racing history was made in Vila Real on 25 June 2017 with the introduction of the ‘joker' lap.

It happened during the Portuguese rounds of the FIA World Touring Car Championship, renamed the WTCR - FIA World Touring Car Cup presented by OSCARO for 2018.

Drivers took the alternative route in both the Opening Race and Main Race as part of a pioneering plan to spice up the action on a street circuit where overtaking isn't always possible.

Tiago Monteiro, who moved back into the world championship lead with a brace of podiums at his home event for the factory Honda team - much to the delight of the thousands of passionate Portuguese fans - said: "Two podiums on a track where it's hard to overtake wouldn't have been possible without the ‘joker' lap. It was a good success and congratulations to the organisers, Eurosport Events and François Ribeiro. To have put this altogether in such a short amount of time was not easy but, in the end, the result paid off and it could be interesting for the future."

Monteiro came from seventh to second in the Opening Race before taking third in the Main Race to reclaim the title initiative over new second-placed contender Thed Björk, the Polestar Cyan Racing driver also taking two podiums in his Volvo S60.

Bennani was also on fighting form for Sébastien Loeb Racing with his second victory of 2017 in the Opening Race, while Michelisz celebrated his first win of the campaign, converting his second consecutive DHL pole position into the top step of the podium.

World touring car racing will return to Vila Real when FIA WTCR Race of Portugal takes place from 22-24 June. Click here for ticket and event information.

Zdroj: fiawtcr.com