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Vila Real rookie Oriola is TAG Heuer Most Valuable Driver in WTCR

Pepe Oriola shrugged off his absence of Vila Real experience to earn TAG Heuer Most Valuable Driver status at WTCR Race of Portugal last weekend.

The Spaniard impressed with podiums in Race 1 and Race 2 and a strong fourth in Race 3 for Team OSCARO by Campos Racing.

Driving a Cupra TCR, Oriola scored 50 points across the sun-drenched Vila Real weekend to cement his growing reputation in WTCR OSCARO.

"I had a really good pace in qualifying, the pace to be in the front row [for Race 3] but I had a big slide," Oriola explained. "I am really happy for the team, it's the second podium of the weekend and I'm scoring some really good points. I am also happy because the ‘joker' lap worked out for me.

"We're taking the chance to benefit from the Balance of Performance and it's good to be back in the championship battle."

In contrast, Oriola's team-mate John Filippi enjoyed a weekend of frustration in Vila Real. He was forced out of Race 1 after his Cupra was heavily damaged in the multi-car accident. However, he responded well with P12 in Race 2.

Zdroj: fiawtcr.com