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Hero Monteiro returns ahead of WTCR season

Tiago Monteiro was back in a racing car today for the first time since the testing crash in Spain last September that left him with serious injuries and ended his bid to become FIA World Touring Car champion.

Monteiro was at Monza in Italy where he completed 10 laps in a JAS Motorsport-run Honda Civic TCR, which is identical to the car he will use in the inaugural WTCR - FIA World Touring Car Cup in 2017.

"It feels great to be back in a racing car," said the Portuguese, 41. "I only did about 10 laps in total, but that was exactly what was planned for my programme. I was being a bit cautious with the kerbs initially, but I had no problems [with my] neck or shoulders, so the training I've been doing has worked.

"The plan for today was just to see how comfortable I was in the car and which areas I need to keep working on with my fitness. I think there are still some areas that still need some improvement, but it's just a matter of time before things are 100 per cent right."

Since his accident at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Monteiro has undergone a gruelling recovery period as he fights back to full fitness ahead of the season-opening WTCR Race of Morocco in Marrakech from 7-8 April.

Zdroj: fiawtcr.com