Tiago Monteiro celebrates first victory in 19 months in Russia

Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team’s Tiago Monteiro secured his sixth career victory at the Moscow Raceway, and his second since joining Honda in 2012, passing the 100 point barrier in the drivers’ standings and consolidating his fourth position ahead of Ma Qing Hua, whilst closing in on Citroën’s Sébastien Loeb who endured a tough weekend at the Russian circuit.

Monteiro’s team-mate Gabriele Tarquini took a well-fought podium finish in race one behind the two Citroëns of Yvan Muller and José María López, fighting off Lada’s Rob Huff throughout the race, while Monteiro also had to pick up the pace to defend against Huff late in race two, when the former champion managed to pass the independent Honda of Norbert Michelisz and began closing in on the Portuguese driver.

“The victory was not easy to pick up and I had to have full concentration at all times,” said Monteiro. “I made sure that I preserved my tires early in the race because I knew it would be crucial that they were still strong in the final kilometers. Then in the closing laps it was maximum attack.

“We have had a few disappointments this year and this win is a great reward for me and the entire team who have worked tirelessly to take a step forward at every round. We needed this win and we knew that the conditions were met here in Russia for the victory.”