Tiago Monteiro: “I’m so, so happy”

Portuguese driver Tiago Monteiro claimed pole position for the first World Touring Car Cup race at Suzuka, mastering very difficult conditions during a qualifying session that was red flagged four times.

“Suzuka seems to work for me. I returned to racing here last year which was a very emotional moment,” said Monteiro.

“Since then I had a win at my home race in Portugal and now this – I’m so, so happy.”

The pole is the KCMG driver’s first WTCR pole position, running on the maximum 60kg of compensation weight this weekend.

“We are a heavy car here, but the rain has helped us a little bit. I’m liking this fairytale,” said Monteiro.