Monteiro aiming for WTCC title in 2008

World Touring Car Championship SEAT driver and ex Formula One driver Tiago Monteiro is aiming for the title next year. The Portugese driver made his WTCC debut this season and finished 11th in the championship.
“I need to learn a lot still. I think I have the speed for it but maybe not the experience. And the luck too. In the WTCC you need to be well-placed in race one or you won’t be able to score in race two. I’ve got to do that to be able to fight for the title,” said Monteiro to Autosport.

The winter testing for SEAT is right around the corner and Monteiro will take part in it, something he thinks is important for him to be able to race for the title.

“It was difficult coming in late in 2007 from single-seaters without much winter testing and racing against very experienced drivers. I learned a lot in my first season but with a full test programme I’ll be a lot more confident and maybe be able to know a bit more about the setup of the car coming into the season. I really appreciate the trust and confidence that SEAT has put in me,” said Monteiro.

The difference between Formula One and single seaters is vast compared to the close touring car racing of the WTCC.
“It’s the most fun and aggressive racing I’ve done,” he added. “I raced in Porsches, but it is not as competitive as WTCC. In single-seaters, the only thing I’ve done which compares in probably Champ Car. It’s the most aggressive championship I’ve been in and you have to get used to it very quickly.”