Honda’s Tiago Monteiro says he is seeking to consolidate his position of second overall in the World Touring Car Championship this weekend in Argentina, where he expects Citroën’s José María López to steal the show.
Off the back of victory last time out in Portugal, Monteiro heads to the Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo back in second in the drivers’ championship standings, although he is just four points ahead of LADA’s Nicky Catsburg.
Monteiro is under no illusion that this weekend will be all about home hero and runaway championship leader ‘Pechito’ López, with the Portuguese driver aiming to focus on ‘consolidating’ his position as the best of the rest.
“We know that the Argentine stage will be difficult and hotly contested,” said Monteiro. “We are in the land of ‘Pechito’ and he knows the track very well.
“But our ambition remains the same: we will try to get everything on our side to try and win races and gain as many points as possible from each race to consolidate our second position in the championship.
“It’s a demanding circuit but it has several overtaking areas that are very positive for the show and will help to gain places in the race.
“However, the qualifying result will be very important. Lada and Volvo may also prove to be tough opponents because they won’t be carrying any ballast.”
Monteiro admits that having taken victory at home in Vila Real just before the summer break he is now feeling particularly confident for the ‘fly-away’ second half of the season.
“I won the last race in Portugal, which was a fantastic feeling, and it’s allowed me to go into the summer break feeling on top form and ready for the rest of the season,” added Monteiro. “I finished third in Argentina last year and the aim has to be to improve on that result this weekend.
“I’m currently second in the championship, but with seven other drivers really close to me, so a strong weekend is critical.”