» WTCC: First race switched back to Curitiba

With the World Touring Car Championship’s 2011 season set to kick off in less than 45 days, the series organisers have confirmed that the first race will switch back from Interlagos to Curitiba.

The Sao Paulo circuit was dropped from the calendar with the WTCC figures citing “logistical issues” connected to the circuit undergoing renovation works, and the proposed change simply required a rubber stamp from the FIA.

But on the good news side, the organisers have announced that the Brazilian round will occur in conjunction with the Copa Caixa Stock Car championship series – Brazil’s own tin-top series – which features the likes of former F1 grandees such as Tarso Marques, Luciano Burti, Ricardo Zonta, Enrique Bernoldi and Antônio Pizzonia.

The WTCC has signed a three-year deal with Vicar Promoções Desportivas – the promoter of Copa Caixa – to stage its Brazilian round in conjunction with a round of that championship.

“After five years as a stand-alone event, WTCC is now facing an important development through this partnership with Vicar. The opportunity of sharing the event with the Copa Caixa Stock Car and the outstanding joint promotion set up by Vicar will greatly enhance the world championship’s popularity in Brazil,” said WTCC series boss Marcello Lotti.

[Original image via ColdTrackDays]