#tM18 Tiago Monteiro 2017 WTCC driver of the year / #tM18 Tiago Monteiro, eleito piloto do ano no WTCC

"Tiago Monteiro foi eleito "Piloto do Ano" pela imprensa que habitualmente acompanha do WTCC. O piloto português que viu a sua época e título comprometidos devido a um grave acidente, vê assim o seu esforço reconhecido com esta distinção meritória."

Tiago Monteiro awarded 'Driver of the Year' by the WTCC press members. The Portuguese driver saw the season and WTCC title compromised, suffering serious injury in a high-speed testing crash in September. Sees its effort recognized with this meritorious distinction by the end of 2017.

"Um prémio que deixa Tiago bastante sensibilizado: "Fico feliz com este troféu. Claro que gostava mais de ter ganho o Campeonato, mas fico muito sensibilizado pela forma como estes jornalistas avaliaram o meu trabalho sabendo que não tive hipótese de continuar a correr. São estes pequenos detalhes que me fazem continuar focado na recuperação e com o regresso em mente. Um obrigado especial a todos aqueles que votaram e que continuam a acreditar no meu trabalho", referiu."

A prize that makes Tiago quite sensitized "I'm very happy with this trophy. Of course I would like winning the championship, though I'm very sensitized by the way these journalists judge my work, knowing that I had no chance to continue racing. It is these small details that keep me focused in my recovery and with the return in mind. A special thanks to all those who voted and who continue to believe in my work" he says.

"A votação ficou a cargo de cerca de 50 jornalistas de 18 países distintos."

Around 50 journalists from 18 different countries took part in the vote.

in, Tiago Monteiro's Press Release

Thed Björk to be the 1st Swedish WTCC driver Champion

Thed Björk was crowned the 2017 FIA World Touring Car Champion and 1st Swedish Champion at this amazing Championship. Amongst this prize, Björk lead Volvo and Polestar Cyan Racing to the FIA World Touring Car Champion Manufacturer. 

Björk will be the very last FIA World Touring Car Champion has for 2018 the WTCC will be renamed the FIA World Touring Car Cup. 

See you guys there...

WTCC 2017 and the joker lap.

The WTCC 2017 Portuguese round at Vila Real is just getting closer and the new game changer...I mean, the "joker lap" starts on the streets of the fantastic Circuit of Vila Real.

In the meantime, I leave you with some 2016 memories and what memories. Take a look, 

The WTCC, Tiago Monteiro #18 and the streets of Vila Real

The WTCC change is Portuguese round...and what a circuit. The Vila Real street circuit, is fast, it makes you fear it, but what it is really is the smiles and adrenaline it brings to the drivers of WTCC.

Bennani starting the crazy downhill with "Casa de Mateus" vineyard as background.

The Lada Sport team wasn't easy. "Huffy" was the only one to fishing both races, his teammates damaged the cars on Race 2.

Yvan Muller made it achieved 2nd place on the bumpy Race 2 that gave him chances to fight for 1st on the championship at the time.

The always fantastic Tom Coronel Chevrolet make the portuguese crowd go crazy with the 2 wheels thought the curbs at "Boque".

Loeb misfortune or extra confidence put him out of Race 2.

Tarquini bring some points to Honda and to himself with P3 on Race 2.

Tiago Monteiro #18 was super happy, the Portuguese fans were happy and Vila Real was bursting with joy. Everyone was already seeing him at the podium for the final race...

The colors of Honda were the focus of crowd. Tiago, Tiago the crowd was cheering him up when the Honda Civic WTCC passes by.

And up they go, Tiago and Tarquini giving their best for a great result the Honda.

Tiago who made 5th place on Race 1 and a great qualifying for Race 2, knows that Vila Real his almost impossible to overtake and takes it pedal to the metal on the start of Race 2. No more than 200m where made...the 1st place was just so near but both Lada "close their doors".  That once happy crowd and ancious just made silence, Tiago was out of the race. Everyone's dream had just collapse. Better next time, this his racing.

José Maria López won Race 1 and the championship as well. Most consistent driver along with the rest of the Citroen drivers/cars.

Congratulations to you José Maria López | Muitos parabéns José Maria López