Vila Real, Portugal, June 16, 2025 (Lusa) - The Vila Real International Circuit is “much more than speed” and, between 4 July and 6 July, it fills hotels, restaurants and cafés, boosts trade and attracts “thousands of visitors”.
This is the conviction of the Mayor of Vila Real, Alexandre Favaios, who said today that in 2025 “the circuit will return in full force”, stressing, however, that the event “is much more than speed”.
“It is a total celebration of the municipality and its people. A weekend when everything pulsates with greater intensity,” he said.
The car races, which take place on the streets of Vila Real, had their first motor racing event in 1931, and organisers have held them continuously since 2014.
“The impact of the circuit on our city is visible and concrete: it fills hotels, restaurants and cafés, boosts trade and attracts thousands of visitors. Its true value extends beyond numbers," argued Alexandre Favaios.
The mayor added that the goal is to "continue to affirm Vila Real as the national capital of motor sports" and "continue to offer the city and the region an event that is economy, tradition, innovation and excitement."
Alexandre Favaios emphasised that the International Circuit “puts Vila Real on the national and international map”, highlighting the return, in the 2025 edition, of a world touring car race and the Portuguese Speed Championship.
For three days, from 4 to 6 July, the city will host one of the stages of the KUMHO TCR World Tour, under the auspices of the International Automobile Federation (FIA). This race replaced the World Touring Car Cup.
The programme also includes a stage of the Portuguese Classic Speed Championship and a demonstration of supercars and the Porsche Club.
According to the president of the Vila Real Automobile Club, Jorge Almeida, around “200 drivers” will be scattered across the various races on this circuit, and 500 volunteers—including track marshals, pit crew, sports technicians, race officials, firefighters, doctors and nurses—will support them.
In addition to the sporting events, there will also be concerts by Xutos & Pontapés and the English band James, and the Wine & Food Circuit exhibition in the city centre, where wine producers and other typical regional products will be on display, including meats, covilhetes and conventual sweets from Vila Real.
The 2025 edition is also associated with the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the city of Vila Real.
PLI/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
