Honda’s Tiago Monteiro says he is happy to have finished fifth in the opening World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) race in Vila Real around a circuit which he described as “demanding on the car and driver”.
Monteiro made up just one position in the opening race in Portugal, which came as a result of Campos Racing’s Hugo Valente getting off to a poor start.
The Honda driver was thereafter unable to challenge the Civics ahead, being beaten by Zengő Motorsport’s Norbert Michelisz and works’ Honda team-mate Gabriele Tarquini.
“It’s a very demanding track,” said Monteiro. “Most of the track is fun to drive but it’s really demanding for the car and the driver. I’ve heard so many stories about this track and now I can understand why everybody is so excited about it.
“For me, as for everybody, the start was crucial, a good start but of course very narrow. I could gain one position but that was it. After that I tried to push hard on the first lap to see the rhythm of everybody but obviously it’s very narrow and very difficult to overtake.
“Very quickly you get into a certain rhythm and try to think about the tyres because it’s really demanding on the tyres; the dampers really struggle as it’s hard and bumpy braking on the kerbs. It’s tough for everybody for sure.
“There was not much to do really after the qualifying but I’m happy with the fifth position and the points we scored today. Now we need to focus on the second race.”
Race two will see Monteiro start just one place higher in fifth, and the local driver is hoping that a number of changes will help him to a higher position on home soil.
“It’s the first time we did so many laps on those tyres especially with the heat we have around so I have learned a lot and I have already discussed with my engineers,” explained Monteiro. “We will be changing quite a few things, but it’s the same for everybody.
“We’re discovering everything here, how the grip level increases and how the car behaves during the race. I will make some changes to try to fine-tune even better my car.”