![Tiago Monteiro, Honda Racing Team JAS [JAS Motorsport], Honda Civic S2000 TC](https://www.touringcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Monteiro_Chn_77.jpg "Photo: WTCC Media")
Tiago Monteiro has started his preparations for the 2013 World Touring Car Championship campaign with a 3 day test with the Honda Squad at Valencia, Spain.
The test marked the first occasion that the Portuguese racer had been in the car since the WTCC finale at Macau at the end of November, an event where he took the teams’ first podium in only their fifth race.
Since the Macau weekend, the car has benefitted from a number of new parts, predominantly suspension related as well as shock absorbers.
“These tests are essential for the evolution of the car and I think that the work we have done in recent days has been very productive. Day after day, we feel a little better driving the Honda Civic,” explained Monteiro.
The three day test in Spain saw the driving shared between him and his 2013 team-mate, 2009 Champion Gabriele Tarquini. Monteiro explains that the test at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit was a busy and hectic three days.
“This was a test hectic and it was very intense. We have had no problems, which allowed us to do a lot of laps,” continues Montiero. “We’re testing the car in extreme conditions. We underwent several tests of the electronics, engine, brakes etc. … In our next test, we will concentrate on some very specific areas. The intention is to find a good baseline to help us adapt to various conditions and situations that we will encounter this year.”
Next up for Monteiro is a trip to Japan for the presentation of the 2013 Honda programme before a trip to Aragon, Spain over the 11 – 13 February.
The 2013 campaign gets underway at Monza over the 23/24 March.