Tiago Monteiro sets out to conquer Japan

"My objective is to climb the podium"

By Franck Drui

19 October 2011 - 19:12
Tiago Monteiro sets out to conquer Japan

After a monthlong break, the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) returns to competition October 21-23 on Japan’s Suzuka circuit. Tiago Monteiro is heading to the land of the rising sun with the intention of fighting for a place on the podium in both races and to remain a contender for 4th place in the championship, first in line behind the untouchable Chevrolets.

This is the fourth year that the FIA WTCC will be heading to Japan, but the first time that it will be visiting the famous circuit that host the Formula 1 World Championship. "I know the circuit from my time driving in F1, but I have to face facts: it won’t be an advantage," The SEAT Sun-Red driver explains. "We are all very motivated, even if we don’t know our performance level. Despite everything, my objective is to climb the podium."

While the championship enters the home stretch, one of SEAT Sun-Red’s best representatives, who has already secured three podiums this season, explains that it is crucial to end the year with a series of good results. "The year was full of highs and lows and, despite all our difficulties, we managed to secure some good results. While the championship is returning to competition after a weeks-long break, it is essential to finish the year in the front of the pack. It is a realistic goal because we have the potential to do it. Nevertheless, we need to avoid building castles in the air and wait and see what the verdict on the track will be, because no one can measure themselves against this circuit."

Tiago is currently in 6th place in the championship with 109 points, 49 points out of 4th place. There are 150 points left up for grabs, in Japan then China and Macau.

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