The Portuguese pilot Tiago Monteiro (Honda) said this Friday that he did not expect “miracles”, but believes in “surprises” in the Portuguese appointment of the World Touring Car Cup (WTCR), which takes place this weekend in Trás-os -Mountains .os-Mountains.
The Porto pilot admitted that “this It has been the most difficult season” of his careerwith difficulties to fine-tune his Honda Civic, remaining in 16th place in the championship, among 17 drivers who scored, after the dispute of three double races (the German test was canceled for safety reasons).
“We know it will be difficult, but because the track is so challenging, anything is possible. I don’t expect miracles, but I believe in surprises.”Tiago Monteiro underlined, during the official press conference to launch the Portuguese competition, the fifth round of the WTCR, which took place at the end of this morning at the Municipal Theater of Vila Real.
The Portuguese Honda rider recalled the last time he took part in the Vilarreal race, in 2019, where he also managed to win, like in 2017, despite having arrived in a difficult position in terms of the championship.
“Last time I didn’t expect to win here either. We want to put on a good show, no matter what.”
Tiago Monteiro also said to be “a great pleasure to return” to the city of Trás-os-Montesafter two years of interruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We already miss him so much and it seems like people already missed us here. It’s good,” he told reporters.
On the track in the city of Vila Real, Tiago Monteiro said that, “in addition to being one of the most difficult circuits in the championship, it is very challenging”.
“The level of risk is very high, with challenging curves. In addition, we have a ‘wild card round’, which is unprecedented. It brings more difficulties, excitement and strategy. It is a curve that we do not have the opportunity to train so much. Once we assume it, we only have one chance to buy time. Or lose”, he pointed out, talking about the curve installed before the finish line and that will allow the drivers to go through it once, trying to gain time and positions against the rivals.
Tiago Monteiro says that “it is a responsibility, because you can win or lose a position, win or lose a race”.
The Portuguese driver has 12 points in the championship, compared to 129 for the leader, the Spanish Mikel Azcona (Hyundai).
“It has been my most difficult moment as a driver. But we like challenges and work for solutions”, he pointed out.
Tiago Monteiro also said that the two-year break gave the drivers “even more desire to come back and be in this incredible race, both on and off the track.”
“We will do our best, once again, on and off the track, to put on a good show and give thanks in this way, and we hope to celebrate another success on Sunday, whatever it may be.”
The World Cup drivers get into action this Saturday, at 09:00, for the first of two free practice sessions.
Qualifying for the two races on Sunday will take place in the afternoon, starting at 17:15.
Source: Observadora
