Monteiro says farewell to SEAT with two points finishes at the USA debut in Sonoma

Tiago Monteiro, SUNRED Leon 1.6T, Tuenti Racing Team

Photo by: Brad Fox

After qualifying 7th and 4th, Tiago Monteiro made the most of his car's potential and said goodbye to SEAT by giving the Spanish manufacturer a sixth place finish in both races. The challenge, however, was very hard for Tiago to meet due to a weight and engine power handicap. But thanks to some excellent teamwork, the SEAT Leon was still competitive and together with the Portuguese driver, became a winning combination on the Sonoma circuit, where the World Touring Car Championship WTCC was visiting for the first time in its history.

"I think this was a good farewell. Both races were great fun, with a lot of battles on a delightful track," said Tiago Monteiro. "In the first race I tried everything to climb up to fifth place, but I could not find an opening. I was happy with this result, the team was as well."

The second race was even more colorful with ongoing battles against faster opponents. Despite several disadvantages, Tiago recorded the third fastest lap. "I did everything that was in my power because I was suffering electronic problems," says Tiago, "6th is more than satisfactory. I think I offered the fans a good show and I am sure I have done my best. I now leave with SEAT with a sense of accomplishment. I spent some beautiful years with SEAT and this has been an emotional moment, but now it's time to meet some new challenges and the Honda project is very ambitious. A big thank you to all those who have been with me during my years here."

Tiago Monteiro will be back in the FIA WTCC in a month's time in Japan, where he will be behind the wheel of the Honda Civic, which he race for the final three rounds of the year as well as the 2013 season.

Source: Tiago Monteiro media