Tiago Monteiro stands on the podium in Macau!

Tiago Monteiro and JAS Motorsport Honda entered the World Touring Car Championship FIA WTCC history books this afternoon after delivering a performance that has never been seen in the sport before, a podium finish in only their third race weekend on the very challenging street circuit in Macao.

Fifth on the grid for race one, Tiago Monteiro had a good start and a brilliant race that enabled him to remain in the same place at the famous Lisbon turn. Behind him a chain-reaction crash spun off the peloton in two.

On the second lap, Tiago went on the offensive and overtook his future teammate at Honda, Gabriele Tarquini, with aggressive braking and precise cornering at Lisbon.

Tiago Monteiro, Honda Civic Super 2000 TC, Honda Racing Team Jas

Photo by: xpb.cc

"This is an incredible result!" rejoiced Tiago Monteiro after the podium ceremony, the first of his collaboration with Honda and JAS Motorsport. "The Honda Civic is a fabulous car that builds confidence and can attack to the limit without exceeding it. This circuit is very demanding and allows the driver to make more of a difference than anywhere else, I love driving here.

I was faster than the blue cars in the slower sections but it was out of the question for me to take risks to overtake them with a podium in sight. I am delighted to give this to Honda and JAS Motorsport."

Starting fifth in race two, Tiago applied the same recipe used in the first race. He used his experience to stay away from the many skirmishes and was able to attack to return to the podium. However, two Chevrolets got past him on the third lap and Tiago fell to 7th place.

"I did not want to interfere in the fight for the world championship and when one of the Chevies almost kissed me and push me a little, I didn't want to risk it to keep the place," says Tiago.

Despite two safety car outings, Tiago managed to climb back to 4th place. "This podium and fourth place are the just rewards for JAS Motorsport Honda for all their effort and the quality of their work.

I thank them and congratulate them for their confidence in me and I am delighted to pay them back this way. We now realize what we need to succeed.

It is fantastic and it allows us to prepare in the winter season with great serenity and confidence. The Honda Civic has great potential, it is a quick and healthy car and I am already looking forward to 2013!"

Source: Tiago Monteiro