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Monteiro fightback rewarded with season-long WTCR bid

Tiago Monteiro’s determination to recover from serious head and neck injuries sustained in a testing crash in September 2017 has been rewarded with a season-long WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup presented by OSCARO campaign in a Honda Civic Type R TCR.

The ex-Formula One driver was leading the World Touring Car Championship standings when a high-speed accident at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya put paid to his title dream and left him fearing he may never drive again.

But after 415 days of fighting, he made his competitive return at WTCR JVCKENWOOD Race of Japan at Suzuka last October where he narrowly missed out on points in what was a strong comeback following his lengthy absence.

“Being on the #WTCR2019SUPERGRID is going to be insane,” said Monteiro. “So many champions, so many great drivers; it’s like a dream grid of competitors for my comeback season. It’s going to be so tough but I can’t wait.”

François Ribeiro, Head of Eurosport Events, the WTCR / OSCARO promoter, welcomed Monteiro’s return to full-time action. “We are, of course, so happy Tiago gets a full season. After all the pain and all the fighting, this is the least he deserves and all credit to Honda for giving him this chance to fight for a world title.”

The identity of Monteiro’s team and team-mate will be announced at a later date. WTCR Race of Morocco hosts the opening rounds of the 2019 season from 5-7 April.

Zdroj: fiawtcr.com