Tiago Monteiro has cautioned against expecting strong results for Honda in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) races in Thailand, citing the long straights of the Buriram circuit as a potential pitfall.
Monteiro and team-mate Gabriele Tarquini will once again be forced to carry 40 kg of compensation weight – the only manufacturer other than Citroën to have weight – due to the performance of the Honda cars in the previous three events, particularly in Japan.
The Portuguese star used the weight, and the Chang International Circuit’s two long straights, as reasons that he is slightly pessimistic about his chances this weekend.
“I do not know much about the track but from what I do know, it should not be very favourable to our package,” explained Monteiro. “It is a circuit with two long straights, which should penalize us over our opponents, especially as we will have an added 40 kg ballast on board.
“We will have to try and adapt to best manage this event, including the weather, as temperatures are high and humidity levels will also play an important role.”
Having dropped to seventh overall in the drivers’ championship after the previous event in China, Monteiro is keen to regain fourth in the standings, with fellow Honda racer Norbert Michelisz just seven points ahead and Citroën’s Ma Qing Hua, currently fourth, a further six in front.
“I want to regain fourth place in the championship,” added Monteiro. “I am currently 13 points away and 110 points remain to be distributed. Everything is possible and I will give my best to collect as many points as possible.”
Unusually for the WTCC, qualifying is scheduled to take place on the same day as race day, something which Monteiro admits will add a little extra pressure on Sunday. It marks the second event in a row with a Sunday qualifying session, although the circumstances last time out prevented it taking place on the Saturday.
“I’m really looking forward to getting out on track. I enjoy the challenges that new circuits bring and this weekend will be just that with limited time to familiarise, especially with qualifying on the same day as the races.
“The pressure also builds a little as we near the end of the season as everyone wants to finish on a high and make the last few races memorable. It’s the same for me, so the focus will, as always, be to do the very best job we can. I will give it my all, avoid any trouble and target top results.”