Photo: WTCC Media

Tiago Monteiro welcomes the return of a home race in 2015

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After one year without, Portugal’s Tiago Monteiro will have a home event in the 2015 FIA World Touring Car Championship season, with the Circuito de Vila Real hosting a round of the WTCC for the first time on July 12th next year, subject to confirmation by the WMSC.

As confirmed on Saturday, the Vila Real track will perform a number of upgrades in order to be able to host a round of the WTCC, effectively taking over from the Porto circuit, which last hosted a round back in 2013, and had previously alternated with the Algarve circuit in Portimao.

“I am delighted that the Municipality of Vila Real, Eurosport Events, the WTCC and FPAK have agreed to this,” said Monteiro. “I have noticed that the people involved were very motivated to make this event a reality on the WTCC calendar. They should all be congratulated for their efforts. For me it’s always very special to race in Portugal, to have the support of the Portuguese public, but above all to be able to have my friends and family around.

“I have never raced in Vila Real, but it is curious that the first racing I ever saw live was in Vila Real when I was a child. I have a lot of family in the area of Tras-os-Montes and I can remember that time perfectly. After seeing the circuit I realized why it is in the imagination of so many people. It is an unusual track and very demanding and I have no doubt it will be a festive weekend.”

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The 38-year-old, who is expected to continue to race for the Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team next season alongside Gabriele Tarquini, is already working with the JAS Motorsport team on their extensive off season testing programme. Both he and Tarquini have spent three days at the Aragon circuit in Spain with the TC1-class Honda Civic, and will embark on the next stage of testing on December 15th-18th at Jerez, where the Japanese marque will continue to evaluate a number of upgrades designed to close the gap to the all-conquering Citroën Racing team next season.

“It was the first major test after the end of the season and many others will follow in the coming months,” said Monteiro. “The team is focused on making the most of the pre-season to work on the new car for the 2015 championship. We focused on various aspects of the car and not any one thing specifically. It was very productive and we were left with the feeling that this was the first small step towards a successful season.”