Tiago Monteiro is racing in China this weekend

November 4-6, China will be the stage for the penultimate meeting of the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). After his cruel disappointment in Japan, Tiago Monteiro is determined to reach the podium at the Shanghai Tianma circuit, which will be hosting the FIA WTCC for the first time in its history. Just 2.06km long, the Shanghai Tianma circuit will have to be traveled 25 times during both races this Sunday.

Despite the novelty that the Chinese circuit represents, Tiago Monteiro is counting on his ability to quickly adapt to a new track and on the qualities of his team, SEAT Sun-Red, to secure two good results. "I have put my accident in the first race in Japan behind me," assures the SEAT Leon 1.6 liter #18 car driver, "My objective is to maintain my competitiveness that we demonstrated in the most recent races and to finish both Chinese races in a good position in the points. The fourth place finish in the championship that I was aiming for is out of my reach unless something out of the ordinary happens, and it remains down to me to fight for the podium in the remaining races."

With regard to the track itself, Tiago explained, "It’s a new circuit for all of us and therefore we are all on an even footing. From what I have seen, it’s a technical track where it is difficult to overtake. That means that we will have to focus on qualifying to be sure that we are well-positioned on the grid and then have a good start and avoid the usual scrambles. But we cannot forget one essential factor: the weather. The humidity is very high and it could have an impact on the final result."

After the dramas of recent weeks where motor sports were rocked by the deaths of two excellent drivers who were two strong and engaging personalities, Tiago Monteiro will fight to secure two good results and dedicate them to his friend Dan Wheldon as well as to Marco Simoncelli.

The Chinese races will be broadcast live on Eurosport. Qualifying will start at 7:15 a.m. on Saturday, November 5, and the races will start at 6:45 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. on Sunday, November 6.