The Portuguese journey of the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) is approaching with great strides. For the second time, on the 2nd and 3rd of June, the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve hosts one of the most emblematic World Championships.
Tiago Monteiro will be on track, who won this race in 2010 in a memorable event and which he hopes to repeat this year. Before going on track, Tiago answered some questions.
How do you assess the first half of the Championship?
Tiago Monteiro – The beginning of the Championship was quite tough. Unlike most of my opponents, I didn't have the 2012 engine in my SEAT, which means my car is less competitive than the others.
It forced us to redouble our efforts to close the gap for the front liners.
The first races were difficult, but we have been working hard on the engine's evolution and, in the last three races, that work has borne fruit and we have already managed to break into the lead group.
It was a step forward that left me and the team very satisfied.
What do you expect from the Portimão round?
TM – I have to be realistic. As much as I would like to win again, as I did in 2010, I have to admit that this year we are in a very different position.
We will hardly achieve victory, but we can fight back. That's what I'm focused on. I want to put on a good show for the audience and get the best possible result.
One thing is for sure, I won't lay down.
Correr at home brings greater pressure?
TM- Pressure is identical in all races. Nobody goes on track to lose. Everyone wants to be as far ahead as possible. And I'm no different.
The work to be done in Portimão or on any other circuit is the same. The advantage of racing at home is being close to me, family, friends and fans. We feel greater support and of course we don't want to disappoint anyone's expectations.
What do you hope to achieve in terms of results in the Championship?
TM – This year I'm not thinking about the Championship accounts, because I'm not in the fight. I'm focused on good results, race by race. That's my main goal.
I want, until the end of the season, to be on the podium.
Who do you think is in a position to win the season?
TM – In a Championship like the WTCC, it is difficult to make predictions, because what is right today is not tomorrow. Everything can change suddenly.
But in my personal opinion I think Yvan Muller will be crowned champion for the third time in a row. Yvan is a very fast and experienced driver and it is not by chance that he is at the top of the table.
What do you think of the Autodromo do Algarve?
TM- It is a track with a unique configuration, a technical and demanding layout. I particularly like it. It is very challenging and provides spectacular races.
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