Tiago Monteiro secured a double top ten finish during his home race weekend at Portimao, the final European weekend of the 2012 World Touring Car Championship.
In front of his home fans, the SEAT Tuenti Racing Team Sunred SR Leon 1.6T driver achieved his weekend’s aim with a seventh and eighth place finish after two tough races around the complex Portimao circuit.
“We could have done better but the engine couldn’t. We have to keep on doing our best with our car and on this fast and demanding circuit we put fully grasped the difference separating us from our competitors in terms of power,” explained Monteiro.
After qualifying, Monteiro lined up eighth for round 13 and he was able to make up one position at the start and from there until the chequered flag, he had to defend from those behind.
Round 14 saw the #18 Sunred SR Leon 1.6T driver line up third and despite the fans expectations, Monteiro knew he faced an uphill battle. Monteiro gradually dropped down the order and finished eighth.
“I did everything I could, but both races were very difficult and I had to fight many battles, defending myself looking to attack. These 7th and 8th place finishes are good results that bring me important points for the championship,” added Monteiro.
The six Championship points Monteiro scored at Portimao has moved him up two positions to ninth in the drivers’ Championship ahead of the Brazilian races at Curitiba in seven weeks time, over the 21/22 July.