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Monteiro: SEAT will adapt to new rules

Tiago Monteiro is optimistic that SEAT can still challenge for the World Touring Car Championship title despite rule changes that could slow their diesel-powered car, but admits they face a tough start to 2009

SEAT dominated the 2008 championship, winning half of the 24 rounds and taking the drivers' title with Yvan Muller.

Their rivals felt that the SEATs - which were the only diesel cars in the field - had too great a straightline speed advantage, and over the winter the FIA has mandated a reduction in turbo boost pressure in a bid to equalise the teams.

Monteiro said the rule tweak has made SEAT underdogs for the 2009 championship, and thinks it will take time for the team to get back up to speed.

"We know it will be hard to defend our title because of the new rules which are not really in our favour," he said.

"Therefore we will need to take the three first rounds to integrate the rules and we will see how to do that in the best possible way for our project."

But he thinks the team will get back on terms with rivals BMW and Chevrolet.

"It will be hard but I am optimistic," said the former Formula One driver.

"SEAT is a professional and extremely motivated team. In 2008, among other things, we always coped with having a heavier car.

"This year, I think we will be able to fight with the front-runners even though it might not be the case in Brazil."

The 2009 WTCC commences at Curitiba in a fortnight.

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