WTCC Portimao - Race 1: They said...

Tiago MONTEIRO – winner Race 1: “It was a tough race but we knew it would be. It was very hot but we had good pace at the start to get a gap. I then made a few mistakes which allowed Yvan (Muller) to put the pressure on and I also tried to be a bit safe on my tyres for a couple of laps. The end result couldn’t be better though with pole and victory. Home races seem to work for me as my last WTCC victory was at Estoril two years ago. I want to dedicate this victory to my two children, Mel and Noah who is seven months old and at his first race today, and also to Afonso Couto who we have been supporting all year. He has now had his operation and is recovering well.”

Yvan MULLER – 2nd in Race 1: “It was a good fight with Tarquini as we were side-by-side for the first few corners. It was a tough race, the temperature in the car was very warm and at the end some cars had punctures so it was important to look after the tyres. After Monteiro’s mistakes I caught him and tried to put on pressure but my engineer then told me to be careful as Rob (Huff) had suffered a puncture, so I didn’t take any more risks.”

Gabriele TARQUINI – 3rd in Race 1: “I enjoyed the race. I had a good start moving up two places but then lost a position back to Yvan (Muller). It was a fair fight. I slowed down towards the end thinking about my tyres as I always had in my mind the situation in Monza and I was expecting a last lap fight. I then was able to push again and hold off Farfus.”

Sergio HERNÁNDEZ – Independents’ winner in Race 1: “I was racing against Turkington at the start and when he came together with Barth I found myself in the lead. I then had a good fight with O’Young who was really quick at the end. The result is really great for the championship and also for my team.”

Norbert MICHELISZ – Rookie winner in Race 1: “I am happy with the result and really looking forward to Race 2. I had an average start as there was no space on the inside so I had to go around the outside. We made a compromise on the set up to really take care of the tyres and I think we are in really good shape for Race 2.”