Joker lap debut confirmed for Vila Real

The World Touring Car Championship races at Vila Real in Portugal on June 24-25th will mark the debut of joker laps in the championship.

Turn 26 will have a joker lap route that is calculated to be approximately two seconds slower than the normal lap.

All drivers have to take the joker lap once per race, not before the third lap, as has been used by rallycross for many years.

“The ‘joker’ lap concept works very well in rallycross, and I’m certain it will bring an extra dimension to the WTCC street race in Vila Real,” said François Ribeiro, Head of Eurosport Events, the WTCC promoter.

”It will open up strategies for each WTCC driver, and might even change the course of the race. Of course we never compromise on safety so we have worked very closely with our colleagues at the FIA and with the authorities in Vila Real to put in place a route that matches our requirements but also conforms to all the rigorous safety standards.”

Local driver Tiago Monterio, currently second in the standings, supports the concept.

“It’s great to try new ideas, new options to spice up the show. When you are in pole position you don’t really want the ‘joker’ lap because you don’t want to lose your lead. But if you are not on pole position then there is a new opportunity to overtake,” said Monteiro.

The ‘joker’ lap remains subject to a final FIA inspection on the 21st of June.