Okayama: Tiago Monteiro preview

Tiago Monteiro back behind the wheel in Japan

FIA WTCC enters the final straight

The FIA World Touring Car Championship enters the final straight this weekend when it takes to the Okayama circuit in Japan. Currently in the lead of both championships, drivers and manufacturers, SEAT Sport will be counting on Tiago Monteiro to help continue to defend its two world titles. The Portuguese driver knows that his actions can be paramount when it comes to team strategy just as it will be in the final round of the season in Macao.

"Last year, the rain played havoc in Okayama. I had a great qualifying session and a very good start on a track that I like very much. Indeed, Okayama is really interesting from a driving point of view," reminisced the driver of the SEAT Leon TDI no.5, "We don't know what to expect this year because nobody can foresee how the SEAT Leon TDI will behave on this specific track. We will have to wait for the first runs in order to have a better idea of who's strong over there. Anyway, in Okayama just like in Macau, the team strategy will be crucial and I think we can expect a spectacular end to the season."

The penultimate round of the FIA WTCC will be held on the circuit of Okayama, from the 31st of October to the 1st of November. Weather forecasters predict an uncertain weekend with a great probability of heavy rain on both race days. The first half of the Asian weekend will be broadcasted on the Eurosport chain, with delayed qualifying on Sunday at 3:30AM and the races live, on November 1 at 4:30AM and 6:45AM (UK Time).

-credit: tiagomonteiro.com