Porto: Tiago Monteiro weekend summary

Tiago Monteiro 4th and 5th in Oporto

SEAT Sport widens gap in both championships

Tiago Monteiro finished the 13th and 14th races of the FIA World Touring Car Championship, held on the Boavista circuit in Oporto in fourth and fifth places today. The two races were highlighted by several accidents, causing the event to be red flagged on two occasions.

Despite his wish to make it to the podium in front of his loyal home fans, Tiago believes that the overall final result is positive. "It is clear that I would have liked to have climbed onto the podium but it was impossible to do any better. The most important thing is I added another 9 points to SEAT Sport's tally which helps widen the gap in the manufacturers' championship. Team strategy determined my results but that is totally normal. I have secured points in the last six races and the main aim is to keep helping SEAT Sport preserve their world titles."

In the first race, Tiago was the victim of an accident caused by other drivers which tore off the fender on his Leon TDI. The race was red flagged and Tiago could once again take his place and eventually cross the finish line in 4th position. "I was attacking Farfus but he braked really late to defend his position and he hit Menu as a result. Menu went into the barriers and bounced back on track right in front of me. I tried to avoid him but Larini hit me from behind. My car was damaged and the result could have been much worse but thankfully I was able to take the second start."

5th at the start of the second race, Tiago gained a place and was in the fight for 3rd and a podium, but he intelligently played the team game and allowed his teammate and current leader of the championship, Yvan Muller, to pass him.

Despite two chaotic races, Tiago stressed that Gabriele Tarquini's victory in the first race, as well as the overall strong performance of SEAT Sport, makes it possible for the team to leave Oporto with a good points haul, increasing their lead in the championship. "It was excellent team work. The set up of my Leon TDI was not right and it forced me to lose some time in the braking points, especially in the second stage of the race when my tyres were a little used. Despite this, the balance of the car was better than it was in qualifying. Once again, the collective results of the team are the most important issue, and it was a great one."

SEAT Sport increased their lead in both championships and Tiago Monteiro moved up a place in the general classification.

The next races of the FIA World Touring Car Championship will take place at Brands Hatch, in the United Kingdom, on the 18th and 19th of July.

-credit: tiagomonteiro.com