Current World Touring Car Championship points leader Tiago Monteiro believes that this weekend’s races at the Hungaroring should suit Honda, despite carrying the full amount of compensation weight.
Monteiro picked up two podium finishes last time out in Italy, where the team did not expect the high-speed nature of Monza to suit the Civic.
The team now head to Hungary’s tighter and twistier circuit expecting the characteristics of the track to be advantageous to the car, even though they now have an additional 80 kg to take into account.
“After we performed so well at Monza – a circuit where we really didn’t believe it would be possible to get two podiums – it feels like anything is achievable, especially as the Hungaroring is a track that should suit the strengths of the Honda,” said Monteiro.
“Despite it being a track that suits the Honda Civic’s settings much better, we also know that the added 80 kg of ballast will not play in our favour,” said Monteiro. “So we need to employ the best strategy and find the best way to reduce this handicap.
“No detail can be overlooked. We are leading the championship, we know we have a good car and a good pace in qualifying as well as in the race. But we have to make sure that we do not miss out on points.
“Of course, having 80kg of compensation weight won’t help us in our fight to win this weekend, but as long as we keep taking points wherever we can and maximise the possibilities for podiums and wins at every circuit, we will continue to look strong in our fight for the title.”
Monteiro has previously scored a best result of second at the Hungaroring, after taking a double podium finish in 2014. He has never previously won at the Budapest circuit.