Tiago Monteiro happy with win on home soil

"The strategy worked just fine and I am delighted to win this race in front of my home crowd"

By Franck Drui

5 July 2010 - 17:59
Tiago Monteiro happy with win on (...)

Tiago Monteiro secured his first victory of the season, his third in the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), the Portuguese driver asserting his authority in the first race, which was the first in the history of the FIA sanctioned championship to be disputed here on the International Algarve Motodrome.

Author of pole position, Tiago displayed his speed and strong management of the race conditions in front of his home crowd, who came to witness and support their local driver, and he certainly didn’t disappoint! Crossing the finish line a winner at the conclusion of the first race, Tiago first opened a gap on his adversaries before managing the conditions that definitely tested both man and machine. With temperatures of 51°C on track and almost 70°C in the cockpit, it was advisable for Tiago to focus and preserve his tires so as not to not to risk a puncture as many had suffered from in Monza. "It was a demanding race not only on the physical level but also for driving," explained Tiago Monteiro. "I did manage the tyre wear well to be sure I would still be able to push hard at the end in the last few laps. My opponents put me under pressure but the strategy worked just fine and I am delighted to win this race in front of my home crowd. I dedicate this victory to my son Noah who, for the first time, has attended a race."

The reverse grid of the second race played its role perfectly. Starting eighth, Tiago meticulously worked his way back to 5th place after winning several brave on track battles. He was on the verge of taking fourth place just three laps from the end when contact with another car saw him lose three positions. "It was a lot of fun and an exciting race. I think the public got their money’s worth! I did the best I could but a contact with another car made me lose three positions. It doesn’t matter, it is this kind of incident that is part of the show and as long as everything is done in good fighting and sportsmanship spirit it is good for the show and everybody enjoys himself. I am proud to be part of such a nice championship and to have contributed to SEAT and SR-Sport’s success in Algarve. We secured 29 very important points which will open up some great perspectives for the future."

At the end of the Algarve weekend, Tiago secured 36 points and moved to 4th place in the overall classification. He reduced the gap by half and is now just 22 points behind 3rd.

The next races of the FIA World Touring Car Championship will take place on July 18 on the Brands Hatch circuit in England.

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