Imola: Tiago Monteiro preview

Tiago says good bye to Europe

Tiago Monteiro will take to an old Formula One circuit this weekend, the Autodromo Enzo E Dino Ferrari, Imola, for the final rounds of the European Championship in the FIA World Touring Car Championship, the WTCC. The Portuguese driver of the SEAT Sport team has the role of securing the most points possible to help consolidate the position of the Spanish challenge in the manufacturers championship.

In an extremely competing context, Tiago knows that his contribution can be a determining factor, however he is also aware that it is impossible to name a favourite at the Imola round... "We are curious to see where we will be in comparison to our rivals. I won't dare make any predictions! These are the final European races and just like BMW we will have a 40kg ballast. We know the smallest mistake can cost us the championship and alongside the speed, we have to make sure that we stay away from any chaos and that we define a perfect team strategy in order to consolidate our collective and individual positions in both championships," Tiago said.

Gabriele Tarquini is the new leader of the world championship, but he only has a slim lead over Augusto Farfus of just one point. The last three rounds of the season should therefore be particularly intense. "We are a strong team and I must say the team work and the well defined strategies are two of our strongest assets. The WTCC is the most competitive among the FIA championships, but we are leading both championships and it is all the more praiseworthy as the rules have changed several times this season," Tiago reminds.

Rain is expected to cause a little uncertainty with the hierarchy at Imola as it is forecasted for Sunday. The 19th and 20th races of the WTCC Championship can be followed live on the Eurosport network, with qualifying on Saturday at 2:00PM and the races on Sunday at 11:30AM and 1:30PM (UK Time).

-credit: tiagomonteiro.com