Tiago Monteiro beat even his most optimistic predictions by securing two very good results on the Salzburgring circuit in Austria, which was hosting the fifth round of the 2014 FIA World Touring Car Championship, WTCC, this weekend. On a track more favorable to his opponents, the Portuguese driver secured his fourth podium of the season as well as a superb fifth place. These results exceed any expectations held by Honda, JAS Motorsport or the native of Oporto, who remains in 4th place in the drivers' championship, keeping in contact with three Citroen drivers.

After a difficult qualifying on a fast track that does not really highlight all the qualities of the Honda Civic, Tiago used his remarkable skills to climb his way up: from 7th to 5th in the first race, and 4th to 3rd in the second. "We knew it would be the hardest day of the season. These results are unexpected and very encouraging. This is a sign that you should never give up. I am very pleased with these points today," Tiago said.

Ever since the beginning of the season, one of Tiago's strengths has been the starts and the Honda Civic # 18 driver made the best use of this in Austria... "I went from 7th to 4th place in the first few meters of race one," explained Tiago. "I conceded one place to Citroën later on because I had no way of stopping him. Then I gave the best of myself and I did not make any mistakes. In the race two I moved up from 4th to 2nd. The race was stopped, but I kept my place at the restart. I knew it would be only a matter of time before a Citroën passed me and I tried to stop it from happening, but it was an impossible task and I didn't want to take any risks. Later on, I was right behind Tarquini, so if he made a mistake...but it did not happen."

With 4 podiums and 96 points in his pocket, Tiago has had the best start to a season since his arrival in the FIA WTCC. The next races will be held in Moscow on the weekend of June 8th.