WTCC plays its joker in Portugal

THE World Touring Car Championship hits Portugal and the notorious Vila Real circuit this weekend. In a bid to spice up the action, organisers have taken the concept of the ‘joker’ lap from World Rallycross, and are using it at the street race for the first time.

The ‘joker’ lap sees drivers take a compulsory alternative route during the race in a move that’s designed to create overtaking opportunities on a circuit which is notorious for being hard to pass on.

Honda’s local hero Tiago Monteiro has given the longer joker lap a cautious thumbs-up, saying: “It’s great to try new ideas. When you are on pole, you don’t really want the ‘joker’ lap because you’ll lose your lead. But if you are not on pole, there is a new opportunity to overtake.”