Tiago Monteiro bids farewell to SEAT in the U.S.

After six years behind the wheel of the SEAT Leon in the World Touring Car Championship, FIA WTCC, Tiago Monteiro is preparing to bid farewell to the Spanish brand, when they take part in the next round of the championship in Sonoma, California. The final three rounds of the season in Japan, China and Macao, will see Tiago Monteiro behind the wheel of a Honda Civic, the same team with which he will compete in the 2013 World Touring Car Championship season.

The coming weekend will be emotionally charged but Tiago will face the event with his usual professionalism. "This is a very special weekend, not only because it will be my final two races with SEAT, but also because this is the first time the FIA WTCC will visit the United States, a country where I’ve raced and one I particularly like," said the Portuguese driver.

After more than five successful years, Tiago would like to thank SEAT with some good results. However, he realizes that the task will not be an easy one... "In the sporting term, I cannot achieve big goals because my SEAT will be heavier than the others and I have to be realistic. Getting into the points will be an almost impossible mission so my concern will be to treat the public to a good show for the debut of the FIA WTCC in the United States, and so to give a good brand image which I have always supported in the best possible way," explained the #18 SEAT Leon driver.

Tiago Monteiro visited the Sonoma Valley in June, along with Gabriele Tarquini and James Nash, who are his on track opponents. "The track configuration will not be the same as the one we discovered in June so it will be new for everyone. I’m sure it will be a weekend of celebration and that the fans will be able can toast the championship the best way possible. I am very pleased to be participating in these two races, completing a cycle that has been a big part of my career," concluded Tiago Monteiro.