Monteiro finds success in Vila Real

It was at home that Tiago Monteiro celebrated his return to grace. After a long period of absence following his terrible testing accident in Barcelona (Spain), the KCMG resident won WTCR Race 3 at home in Vila Real. The Portuguese took advantage of the mechanical problems of his teammate Attila Tassi who started from pole to take the lead and distance his pursuers from Cyan Racing.

“We have 26 incredible drivers and it’s something to win in such a field, commented the winner. I feel sorry for Attila because he deserved his first victory too. I tried to stay focused until the finish and it wasn't easy with all the flags waving in the crowd. »

The podium is completed by Yvan Muller and his nephew Yann Ehrlacher (Lynk & Co) who let the quadruple world champion pass. Ehrlacher had to resist pressure from Mikel Azcona (Cupra), the winner of Race 2, who finished at the foot of the podium. Jean-Karl Vernay (Audi), author of a good start by overtaking Rob Huff (Volkswagen), completed the Top 5 in front of the Briton.

Nestor Girolami (Honda) took 7th place ahead of Thed Björk (Lynk & Co), Ma Qing Hua (Alfa Romeo) et Norbert Michelisz (Hyundai), the first winner of the weekend, who beat Johan Kristoffersson (Volkswagen). Aurélien Panis (Honda) ranked 12th.

Esteban Guerrieri (Honda) was unsuccessful when he retired following contact with Nicky Catsburg (Hyundai), but the Argentinian still maintains the lead in the Drivers' standings with a 25-point lead heading into the next WTCR round this weekend. end of September 15 in Ningbo (China).

Discover the WTCR report in Vila Real in AUTO issue 2224hebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from this Wednesday on newsstands.