Monteiro: “Difficult to repeat Suzuka results”

Tiago Monteiro and Honda are facing their second race with the all-new Honda Civic as the FIA World Touring Car Championship heads to the penultimate race of the year this weekend at Shanghai.
“The Suzuka test was of utmost importance because it was our first encounter with the competition in race conditions,” said Tiago Monteiro.

Going from the very short version of the Suzuka track to the 4 600 meter Shanghai International Circuit means a different challenge.
“We’ve collected a lot of information and got two good results, but we must not forget that Suzuka is an unusual, very short and very fast track. Shanghai is a more traditional one, it is more akin to the other circuits on the calendar. It will be a new challenge,” said Monteiro.

Monteiro managed to secure two top ten finishes in both debut races for the 1.6 turbo Civic at Suzuka, a result the Portuguese says will be difficult to repeat.
“We’re working on the chassis, engine and brakes. The sporting result is secondary to this. We must continue the process of discovery and analysis. We should not take our attention away from this. Of course, after the top 10 in Japan, the wait will be huge, but honestly, a repeat of the results from Suzuka here in Shanghai will be quite difficult,” said Monteiro.