Monteiro on WTCC podium at the legendary Nordschleife

The fourth round of the FIA WTCC gave drivers the opportunity to race on the legendary Nordschleife circuit this weekend where Tiago Monteiro climbed onto the third step of the podium in the race two after being forced to retire in the first.

The third step of the podium has a bittersweet taste for the Portuguese driver, who started from pole position in race two and went on to lead most of the race with an outstanding performance before being displaced by the Citroens, who were much faster on the straights. Sunday's event confirmed that the Honda Civic has improved greatly in terms of chassis and aerodynamics, however just before the finish line, a Citroen made its move and relegated Tiago down to third place. "It's frustrating, an overwhelming sense of powerlessness, but we couldn't do anything, we do not have the top speed needed to stay ahead on a circuit with so many fast sectors. The car was great, I felt comfortable behind the wheel and on the circuit, but we lack the speed in the fast zones. Until we find the formula to overcome this handicap on the Honda Civic, we will suffer a lot. The team works hard to make things better and better, but we have not reached it yet," said Tiago who has now clamed his second podium of the season.

After retiring in race one due to a puncture following contact with a rival, Tiago is happy to secure points in race two so ultimately this podium minimized the damage: "I will leave the Nordschleife in the same position in the Championship, fourth, which is good considering that we knew this would be a complicated weekend on a completely mind-blowing track and unique environment."

The next round of the WTCC takes place in Russia on the 6th and 7th of June


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