Factory Honda driver Tiago Monteiro will drive for WestCoast Racing in the season finale of the TCR International Series on the streets of Macau, after a deal was signed with support from JAS Motorsport.
Monteiro, who is used to racing a Civic in the World Touring Car Championship, will join regular drivers Gianni Morbidelli and Mikhail Grachev in the Swedish team later this month.
The team notably gave Monteiro’s Honda team-mate Rob Huff an outing in one of their Civic TCR cars last year, with Huff duly taking victory, but a rule technicality has prevented the Brit from being able to enter this year’s event.
Monteiro is no stranger to TCR, having competed in selected events of the TCR BeNeLux Series alongside Stéphane Lemeret.
Monteiro has not raced in Macau since 2014, when the WTCC made its last appearance at the notorious street circuit.
“I am so excited to be back in Macau,” said Monteiro. “It has always been one of my favourite places and I have always enjoyed racing there in Formula 3 or touring cars.
“I have some unfinished business, as the last time I was there I was leading the race until three corners from the end, when a mechanical problem forced me to retire. For sure, I want some kind of revenge.
“I know the level of the TCR International Series is very high. I know most of the frontrunners, so I’m aware that the task ahead will be tough, especially as they will have completed a whole season with their cars.
“If I can be at the front, I will be glad and that’s my goal. First of all, I intend to enjoy myself and give it my all, as usual.”
The TCR International Series season finale takes place on 17 – 20 November.