Castrol Honda’s Tiago Monteiro is currently under observation in a local Spanish hospital, after suffering a high-speed accident at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya this past Wednesday, during a routine test for the JAS Motorsport-run outfit.
The Portuguese ace, who is currently leading the overall standings with 200 points, was fully conscious when being extracted from his Civic Type-R just off the first turn.
Following on from initial assessments at the circuit medical centre, the 41-year-old was transferred to a local hospital as a precaution, having suffered no broken bones in the crash.
He has also been instructed on medical grounds to remain in hospital for the meantime, having been instructed to recuperate, even with an MRI this morning showing no signs of injury.
Further checks will be carried out after the weekend, where it will be decided whether he will be transferred to a medical facility in his home country.
“We would like to wish Tiago a speedy recovery and are confident of his return to full fitness in time to resume his battle for the FIA WTCC title at the next round,” said an official statement from the team.
“Along with Tiago and his family, we wish to extend our sincerest thanks to the extraction and medical teams at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and the staff at the hospital, who are providing the best possible care.”
Monteiro also went onto social media to reassure his fans, after the crash itself, as he looks to come back at the Race of China on October 14th and 15th.
I had an accident during a test in Barcelona. I am in the hospital with my wife giving my best to recover for China and my title fight 💪🏻💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/b0y0J2kGpq
— Tiago Monteiro (@Tiagosworld18) September 8, 2017