Tiago Monteiro to have no home advantage at home race

Castrol Honda Racing Team’s Tiago Monteiro heads to the Circuito de Vila Real this weekend as the only Portuguese driver in the race, following the ASN FPAK’s decision to not allow Manuel Pedro Fernandes to take part, but it will also be the former Formula 1 driver’s first experience of the circuit, the fourth different circuit to host the WTCC Race of Portugal after Portimao, Estoril and Porto.

“I know very little about this track,” said Monteiro. “I came to watch some races when I was eight or nine years old but like everyone else, I’ve never raced here.

“This track is very high-speed, but unlike some of the other street tracks we’ve been to, it is very flowing. There are a lot of direction changes in sweeping corners which makes it quite unusual for a street race, so I am really looking forward to getting out on track.

Vila Real will be the second street circuit event of the season after Circuit Moulay El Hassan hosted the second round of the season in Morocco back in April, and the last on the calendar now that Macau will no longer play host to the finale this year.

It also marks the return to Portugal after a one-year absence from the calendar, with the last race taking place at Porto in 2013.

“Being my home event there is extra pressure and a more demanding schedule, but it’s positive,” added Monteiro. “It means a lot to have local support so I will be focussing 100% and hoping to put on an exciting, successful performance for them.”