16 drivers of 10 nationalities have entered the ETC Cup in Braga and they will be at the wheel of cars built from 6 different manufacturers.
Although the number of cars has shrunk considerably compared to the previous editions, especially because the smaller teams could not find the budget to afford taking part, the top level of the Super 2000 field promises exciting and close competition.
WTCC ace James Thompson joins the ETCC in Braga as the most serious contender for the Super 2000 crown.
The Briton will race a Honda Accord run by the Denmak-based Hartmann Honda Racing, the same car he has driven in selected events of the Danish Touring Car Championship, claiming four race victories.
Maurer Motorsport come to Braga with a very strong team: two Chevrolet Lacetti cars in the hands of Vincent Radermecker and José Monroy.
Both drivers have already been successful with the Swiss outfit during the previous seasons. Radermecker, a 42-year-old from Belgium, is one of the most experienced Touring Car racers in Europe.
The Portuguese patrol appears to be strong on the home field.
José Pedro Fontes holds the cards to create some surprise; although he has no international experience, is a fast driver and knows very well the Vasco Sameiro circuit.
Fontes drives the same BMW 320si run by the Sport & You team that he uses to race in the competiitive Portuguese Touring Car Championship.
WTCC regular independent Franz Engstler will take part in the ETCC once again. After he saw his ambitions frustrated last year because of a pile up at the start of the first race, the German driver is definitely determined to claim a great result.
The second BMW of Liqui Moly Team Engstler will be driven by Estonian racer Urmas Kitsing.
Francisco Carvalho will take part in the Super 2000 cup at the wheel of a SEAT León run by Veloso Motorsport.
“This participation is a big step forward for out team, as we aim to build up international experience. We are proud to race in Braga and we have high expectations because of the car’s potential and the driver’s excellent knowledge of the track,” said team principal Luís Veloso.
Among the ETCC competitors, Tomas Engström is the most faithful follower. As a matter of fact he is the only one who took part in all the four previous editions. And he’s coming to Braga for making his fifth consecutive appearance at the wheel of his Honda Accord.
