Monteiro equals Stewart's record

Tiago Monteiro equalled three time world champion Jackie Stewart's long standing record in Monaco last weekend, when he recorded his sixth consecutive finish in his rookie season of the pinnacle of Motorsports!

Tiago Monteiro.

Photo by xpb.cc.

In spite of his consistency and strong reliability, Tiago was unable to secure points in Monaco, the 2005 event proving to be strong in terms of reliability with 14 cars from the eighteen that took the start recording a finish.

However, the Portuguese driver did not have an easy time around the tight and twisty streets of the principality as he tried his best to pilot a hard to handle Jordan Toyota EJ15 that suffered with very little balance and grip problems, so much so that Tiago had to use traction control settings for a wet track.

The N?rburgring, scene of the 7th round of the championship will take place this 29 May, could actually favour the Lusitanian as the circuit, located high in the Eifel Mountains, can bring unusual weather. Three weeks ago, at the time of endurance race here, the old Nordschleife was swept by fast winds and pelted with hail and snow. The rain and cold could level the playing field of the single-seaters this weekend and make it possible for Tiago to gain an advantage.

"The weather forecast gives us 60% of chance of rain, but also temperatures between 25 and 30°C if the rain doesn't eventuate," he said. "The calendar is very hectic now as straight after Monaco, we tackle the N?rburgring. To know that I equaled Jackie Stewart's record multiplies my motivation tenfold for this event."

The N?rburgring is not a new track for Tiago as he competed here during his F3000 year, in 2002.

"It is not one of my favourite tracks, I actually find it a little monotonous," the Jordan driver analysed. "I will have a new engine for this race and our work will therefore be a little easier on Friday, in particular by knowing that we will only have one qualifying session."

"The Toyota engine could be of a great help for us in this qualifying session because it is powerful and reliable. This new format is good as the grid will now be known on Saturday evening. It is an advantage for us and simpler for the spectators."

On an invitation from Toyota, Tiago Monteiro will visit Toyota's headquarters in Cologne this weekend.

-dca-