Enzo Gianfratti’s participation in the FIA TCR World Tour stage in Vila Real (Portugal) is a demonstration of the success of the TCR ecosystem worldwide. The Brazilian’s presence on the main international stage of the category represents the essence of the TCR concept: a single regulation that allows drivers, teams, and manufacturers to compete under the same technical specifications in national, regional, and world championships.
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Gianfratti began his journey in the TCR universe at the second stage of the 2025 Bradesco TCR South America season. Just over a year has passed and Enzo has taken the necessary steps to, this weekend, be part of the World Championship in Portugal. Last year, he fought until the last stage for the Trophy Cup title and, in 2026, his results were even better, competing for wins in the overall classification.
His participation in Vila Real demonstrates that the South American championship is not just a platform for sports development, but also a true gateway to the global touring car racing scene. Enzo Gianfratti’s evolution reflects the spirit of TCR, which offers the possibility to build a sports career without geographical limits, from local championships to the main world category.
A few days after the weekend in France, the FIA TCR World Tour will conclude its passage through the European continent at the challenging urban circuit of Vila Real.
Despite a penalty that hurt him in France, Santiago Urrutia, from Geely Cyan Racing, remains the leader of the standings. However, an excellent weekend, with a pole position, a victory, and a fourth place, allowed Mikel Azcona, from BRC Hyundai, to reduce the gap to just six points. Right behind are his teammates, Norbert Michelisz and Thed Björk, third and fourth placed, 32 and 35 points from the leader, respectively.
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Besides Gianfratti’s presence, there will be other novelties with the arrival of Portuguese Manuel Fernandes, a young Vila Real native who returns to competition on his local circuit after a good weekend in France with the Audi RS 3 LMS from Vannin Motorsport. Also on the grid will be Jimmy Clairet, with an Audi RS 3 LMS, and Mikael Karlsson, with a Honda Civic Type R FL5 from ALM Motorsport.
The joker lap will return in Vila Real. Starting this year, two joker laps were introduced in each race, aiming to create more opportunities both to gain and lose positions. They will be taken at the last roundabout (turns 22 to 24), normally driven on the right side, while in the joker laps drivers must pass on the left side.
Just as happens with Raphael Reis in IMSA (United States) and Tiago Pernia in TCR Europe, Enzo Gianfratti will show the potential of Bradesco TCR South America, representing the entire region and further strengthening the growth of South American motorsport on the global stage.
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