First time at Indy for Monteiro

Indianapolis for the first time
Tiago Monteiro can count on support from many American fans

Tiago Monteiro is already in Indianapolis where he is preparing for the ninth round of the 2005 Formula One world championship that comes less than a week after having recorded his second tenth placed finish of the season, which was also the second for his Jordan Grand Prix team, at the Canadian Grand Prix.

Tiago Monteiro.

Photo by xpb.cc.

By finishing every race he has taken part in so far, Tiago has beaten the record held for the past 18 years to become the only driver to finish eighth consecutive races in his rookie season.

The Portuguese driver's ambition now is to make it nine from nine at this weekend's USGP on the Indianapolis Circuit, which is built around the famous 'Brickyard' where the 500 mile oval race is contested.

Even though he is not standing on the top step of the podium every race, Tiago's performances do not go unnoticed in the paddock or in his home country, Portugal, who is taking immense pleasure from his results.

Tiago knows the town of Indianapolis well after spending a lot of time there back in 2003 at the headquarters of his Fittipaldi Dingman team in Champ Car, that is situated in the capital of Indiana - however, the actual Brickyard circuit is foreign for him...

"It is the temple of American Motorsport, a very special event for the racing industry, like Le Mans and Monaco, other historical places. I have many friends in the USA after my year in Champ Car and it will be great to see them and reminisce for a few days, while feeling at home," Tiago said.

Tiago is also taking care of his shoulder that was slightly injured during the Canadian Grand Prix due to a bad seat fitting in the EJ15, something that saw the loss of sensitivity in his left hand.

"I recovered physically, but my main concern is to find the reason behind my shoulder pains and solve the issue in time for the USGP. It is a rather demanding circuit and it will be necessary to qualify well because overtaking will not be easy."

-dca-