A number of drivers in the field are tackling the Vila Real street circuit for the first time this weekend, including the two Nordics Stian Paulsen and Mikael Karlsson, who are both impressed by the challenging circuit.
Karlsson finished 13th in the session in his Honda and was the only driver to have an excursion in the session, heading down one of the escape roads as he struggled with a technical issue.
“The track is amazing!” exclaimed Karlsson. “Unfortunately, we had some brake problems, so I only clocked four laps, which is not good for us, as track time means a lot here. We saved the car though, so that’s the main thing. We’ll make some adjustments and go out and try and do a full session.”
Paulsen is running in Vannin Motorsport’s second Audi alongside teammate Manuel Fernandes, who has far more knowledge of the circuit since it’s his local track.
“What to say? It’s totally crazy!” said Paulsen. “It’s unbelievable, this track wants to bite you everywhere, the railings are so close, so I was enjoying it and at the same time not enjoying it if you know what I mean. I’ve not had enough time in a car really, I was in TCR Europe at Spa earlier this year, but besides that it’s been three years since I’ve been racing, so I think I’m going to struggle to get good confidence before the weekend is over.”
Picture: WSC/Fastclick-AvensImages
