Tiago Monteiro to miss home event at Vila Real

Tiago Monteiro has confirmed that he will not return to action for his home round of the new World Touring Car Cup this weekend in Portugal.

The former F1 racer has been unable to compete so far in 2018 as he continues to recover from the injuries he sustained in an accident during testing in Barcelona last year, but had hoped to be passed fit in time to race at Vila Real.

However, the 41-year-old has failed in his bid to return to competition this weekend and will instead take on a watching brief as Benjamin Lessennes instead continues to deputise in the Boutsen Ginion Racing line-up.

Monteiro will still be present at the circuit to support the team and will carry out a range of activities with fans across the weekend.

“I want to come back and it’s very frustrating not being able to race in my own country, in front of my home fans and on a circuit as spectacular as Vila Real,” he said. “But it’s crucial that my recovery is 100 per cent. In reality, nine months of recovery is pretty minimal for certain types of injuries such as mine. I am close to it, but we must be patient.

“I know this patience will be rewarded in the end because I will come back stronger. I did my best to be ready in time for this special weekend but it’s too early from a medical point of view. However, I’ll be ready for my fans.”