Tiago Monteiro secured a top five start for the penultimate race of the 2013 World Touring Car Championship on the streets of Macau, the best qualifying result since Honda joined the series at Suzuka.
The Portuguese driver topped the times during the test on Thursday and continued his form into the two practice sessions today.
The first part of qualifying saw him set the third fastest time, behind a brace of Chevrolet’s and finished the second part of qualifying with the fifth fastest time, a result which confirmed the potential of the Honda Civic run by JAS Motorsport.
The final race of the season will see the former Formula One driver line up on the third row of the grid in sixth position.
“It is a great satisfaction,” rejoiced Monteiro, who secured a podium finish at the circuit in 2010. “This circuit is incredibly difficult to master, it is very long and it doesn’t give any room for error with the barriers and many yellow or red flags that can ruin your efforts.
“JAS Motorsport and Honda have done a remarkable job to prepare the Honda Civic. It is very responsive and effective, especially in the turns. Competing with the Chevrolets was not our goal and we are very pleased to have succeeded in doing this. But, the weekend is long and the races will be demanding. Our goal will be to finish the year with two points finishes to prepare for 2013 with even more confidence and serenity,” concludes Monteiro.