WTCR - Monteiro will miss the start of the season

Tiago Monteiro will miss the inaugural WTCR round. The Honda rider is still recovering from his crash last year.

Published on 26/03/2018 à 10:42

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Tiago Monteiro will not take part in the first WTCR event in Marrakech (Morocco) on the weekend of April 8. The Boutsen Ginion Racing resident has not yet regained the necessary form to return to competition after his accident last September in Barcelona (Spain). The Portuguese had indicated in issue n°2157 of AUTOhebdo it was uncertain for the start of the season.

“I knew from the beginning that it was a possibility, the human body not being an exact science, recognizes Tiago Monteiro. Although I feel very good physically, my eyesight is not yet there and I cannot therefore resume competition. My recovery has been remarkable and the medical treatment has been exceptional, but I can't take any risks at the moment. »

“I am obviously extremely disappointed, admits the Honda driver. I wanted to turn the page on the after-effects of my accident with this new season. It's not possible yet, but I will continue my convalescence as best as possible so that everything returns to normal quickly. I may not be on the track, but I will help as much as possible because it is important to maintain team spirit. »

It will therefore be Benjamin Lessennes, the test driver and reserve of Boutsen Ginion Racing, who will take the wheel of the Portuguese Civic TCR for the inaugural round of the WTCR.

“I am very happy to make my WTCR debut with Boutsen Ginion Racing, although I would have preferred to make it in better circumstances, comments the reigning TCR Benelux champion. I don't know how many races I will have before Tiago gets back behind the wheel, but in any case I wish him a speedy recovery. I have quite a bit of experience with the new Honda Civic Type R TCR having tested it last year and recently with Boutsen Ginion Racing in Zandvoort (Netherlands). I am sure we can do a good job, although it is clear that the level of WTCR will be much higher than what I have experienced before. »

Tiago Monteiro will not have much time to recover after Marrakech as the WTCR will meet again on the weekend of April 29 for the Hungaroring round (Hungary).