Tiago Monteiro's final preparations for the Le mans 24 hour with Oreca took place on the Magny-Cours circuit last week where he carried out a three day testing program at the wheel of a prototype from the Team Oreca Matmut Aim. The Portuguese driver joined five other racers who will also take part in the king of endurance racing with the team directed by Hugues de Chaunac. In order to be accustomed to the impending race conditions, particularly the long night relays, Tiago took the wheel between the hours of 5 pm and midnight where he covered 170 laps, the equivalent of 2 and a half Formula One GP's when they ran in Nievre. At the conclusion of his working week, Tiago drew up a positive assessment and spoke with enthusiasm about the balance and the behaviour about Oreca 1. "It was an intense week which was useful tin regard to gaining confidence at the wheel of the car. To drive at 300km/h at night is not an easy experience and it requires specific practice. It is demanding but it gives you a unique feeling which is hard to describe. I think we improved quite a lot during the three days and nights of testing. I am satisfied because I did miss some time getting prepared for the event," Tiago explained. Tiago made good use of the time not spent behind the wheel as well, taking an active part in briefings, learning all the rules and enhancing his knowledge of the LMP1 category in which he will take part in for the first time after two appearances in the GT2 category back in 1999 and 2001. Tiago explains how the team have defined their objectives and that it would be unrealistic to try and keep up the pace of the diesel engine cars... "For us, qualifying will be a practice session, a rehearsal. To start the race between 13th and the 16th would be a good result and we won't push to try to get a better spot on the starting grid. To start 10th or 20th does not change anything at Le Mans because the race is very long. We know we won't be on par with the diesel cars and our aim is to take the chequered flag with both cars, in the best possible positions. It is a realistic aim on my come back to Le Mans. To be back at the 24H of Le Mans at the wheel of such a competitive car with Team Oreca is a dream come true for me," he admits. Tiago Monteiro will join Stephan Ortelli and Bruno Senna, the drivers with whom he will partner in the TEAM Oreca Matmut Aim. First contact with the legendary circuit was made on Monday June 8 with technical checks planned for today. On Wednesday the first free tests will get underway and qualifying will take place on Thursday. Meanwhile Friday will be reserved for the drivers to meet with the fans. The start of the race will be given on Saturday June 13. For Tiago Monteiro, the challenge will consist of repaying the confidence in which TEAM Oreca has given him and flying the colours of his native Portugal as high as he possibly can.