Russian Bears Motorsport will be eligible to score points for the first time when the World Touring Car Championship visits Estoril this weekend.

Having made their seasonal debut in Valencia with a pair of Lada 110s, Russian Bears have been unable to score points in the last three rounds after it was discovered the intake and outlet ports of the cylinder head did not conform to homologation rules.

Although risked with being forced out of the championship, the team was nonetheless allowed to participate, albeit unable to score any points in either the main series or the Independents' Trophy.

However, having filed an 'Option Variant' since the last round, the FIA will now allow the Russian outfit to score points.

Russian Bears caused a stir when they debuted the ageing Lada 110 for Jaap Van Lagen and Viktor Shapovalov earlier this year but, in the hands of Van Lagen especially, it is has proved relatively competitive. Both drivers have a best result of fourth in class this season.