Tiago Monteiro sponsored by Monroe

Tenneco Inc., manufacturer of Monroe shock absorbers and Walker exhaust systems, today announced its collaboration with Tiago Monteiro as official Monroe driver for the 2011 FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC).

Tiago Monteiro, a Portuguese racing driver and former Formula 1 driver for Jordan and Midland who secured a podium in Indianapolis, finished the 2010 FIA WTCC in 5th place in the driver’s ranking. This season, he will be driving a Monroe branded SEAT Leon for the Sunred Engineering team.

Alex Gelbcke, Tenneco Vice President and General Manager, Aftermarket Europe, said: "Having Tiago as an ambassador for 2011 in this upscale championship will be a fantastic asset to Monroe’s presence. We are all looking enthusiastically forward to a great season!"

Tiago Monteiro explains, "It is an honour for me to have been chosen by Monroe to represent their brand. Monroe is a winning brand name with a rich heritage in motorsport and I’m proud to represent them in the FIA WTCC. I will give my all to make them proud and to be sure this new relationship is successful!"

The FIA WTCC race kicks off in Curitiba, Brazil on 19 & 20 March. Monroe will present Tiago Monteiro on the first European race in Zolder, Belgium on 23 and 24 April 2011.