Valente to race for Jules Bianchi on Japan WTCC return

FIA World Touring Car Championship rising star Hugo Valente will pay tribute to his late friend Jules Bianchi when he contests JVC KENWOOD WTCC Race of Japan next week.

Valente, 23, is returning to WTCC action at Twin Ring Motegi from 11-13 September following the summer break during which time Bianchi passed away following his crash in the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka last October.

“I have a special place for Japan in my heart, I love the country but it’s also where Jules had his crash,” said the Campos Racing Chevrolet Cruze driver. “Last year in Suzuka, just two weeks after Jules crashed, I was second until two laps to go in race one and I missed the podium at the very end. I still regret that today. I wanted that result so badly for him and for myself. Now I’ve got another opportunity to do it in Motegi and I will fight harder than I ever did.”

Frenchman Valente, a podium finisher and Qualifying Q3 regular in this year’s WTCC and contender for the Yokohama Drivers’ Trophy for independent racers, heads to Japan ninth in the overall standings after 16 rounds.