Tiago Monteirohas more than one string in his bow! The Portuguese FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) driver is taking part in the 9th Tour of Spain/Portugal in the Classics category, and the event takes place from October 22-26. Tiago accepted the challenge put to him by Michael Stoscheck (member of Brose, one of Tiago's longtime sponsors) several years ago. Until now scheduling conflicts had always kept Tiago from taking part in the Tour of Spain/Portugal, but the 2007 edition will open with him. Tiago will be behind the wheel of a 1973 Porsche 911 RSR; it will be a change for him to refine a very different driving style from the one he has on the track. Tiago had already tried out controlled rally slides driving the '0' car in the Algarve rally in 2006.
This time, Tiago will have the heavy responsibility of returning with one of auto racing's icon's safe and sound: the emblematic Porsche 911. He will also have to wear two hats: driver and navigator! Tiago rounds out the list of 100 participants including passionate, car-loving entrepreneurs as well as experienced drivers such as French ex-Formula 1 driver, Erik Comas. The Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese delegations will be the most richly represented ones. This procession of enthusiasts will be above all in search of strong sensations behind the wheel of machines that helped make auto racing history. The beautiful landscapes of Algarve and Andalucia will serve as a backdrop for the 9th Spain/Portugal rally.
In addition to the special stages, the contest will include three stops at road circuits: Ascari, Monteblanco and Jerez.
Schedule for the 9th Tour of Spain/Portugal:
Leg 1: Vilamoura-Vilamoura (October 22) 3 special stages: Picota, Foz de Farelo and Viuva do FrioLeg 2: Vilamoura-Huelva (October 23) 1 Special stage : Arade Circuit de Monteblanco. Leg 3: Huelva-Sevilla (October 24) 4 Special stages : Aznalcollar, Alcornocales, Linares-Peña AriasMontano and Valdeflores-Minas. Leg 4: Sevilla-Jerez de la Frontera (October 25) 2 Special Stages : Coripe and Puerto de las Palomas. Circuit AscariLeg 5: Jerez-Jerez (October 26) Circuit de Jerez 2 Special stages : Calderona and Puerto de la Víbora
