Viktor Andersson joins SP Compétition for the Portuguese event

Viktor Anderson who had previously joined the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour in Misano and Valencia, winning the ETS Trophy in all the three races of the Spanish event, will return this weekend in Vila Real where he had raced already last year.

The Swedish driver, who usually competes in a CUPRA Leon VZ for Monlau Motorsport in the TCR Europe and TCR Spain series, will be part of the SP Compétition squad for the Portuguese event. Andersson is currently placed second in the TCR Europe’s standings, 14 points behind Nicolas Taylor, and leads TCR Spain having scored three race wins so far.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to Vila Real in the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour,” he said. “It was an event I really enjoyed last year and I’m very grateful to SP Compétition for giving me the opportunity to compete with them. The season has been both busy and successful so far, with me leading TCR Spain and being in the title fight in TCR Europe. I’m looking forward to carrying that momentum into the World Tour and giving it my all on this iconic circuit.”

Mikael Karlsson returns after three years with ALM Motorsport

Swedish racer Mikael Karlsson will join ALM Motorsport for the event in Vila Real, driving a second Honda Civic FL5 for the Estonia-based team alongside regular Jenson Brickley.

Karlsson, who was crowned Scandinavia Touring Car champion in 2024, had made three appearances in the TCR World Tour's inaugural season, back in 2023, racing in Portimão, Spa-Francorchamps and Hungaroring.

Last year he took part in the Hockenheim event of TCR Europe with ALM Motorsport. 

Injury prevents Raphaël Fournier from racing in Vila Real

JSB Compétition’s Raphaël Fournier will be forced to miss the event in Vila Real.

The French youngster has sustained injuries after an incident in the paddock at Paul Ricard. He has been under medical treatment, including antibiotics, as the injury led to infection.

In the following days his condition has not improved as expected and, upon medical advice, his family and team principal Julien Briché have decided to withdraw him from the Portuguese event. With Raphaël unavailable, the logistics of a solo trip to Vila Real for Julien Briché could not be arranged in time and the team will not be present at the event.

“Raphaël was looking forward to competing in Vila Real and is disappointed not to be able to race, but his health and safety have to come first,” Stéphane Fournier, Raphaël’s father, explained.

Schedule (* live streaming)

Saturday, 15:25 - Qualifying *

Sunday, 12:00 - Race 1 *

Sunday, 17:05 - Race 2 *

All times local - CEST -1