Monteiro pleased with start to season

The ex-Formula One driver has switched to the tin-top series for this year and, despite missing the first round in Brazil, he managed to score points on his debut at Zandvoort.

While the Portuguese driver was unable to add to his tally last time out at Valencia, he is pleased with his progress so far this season ahead of this weekend's race around the streets of Pau.

"My performance in the first two races showed me that I am keeping pace with the leaders, which gives me confidence," he said.

Monteiro added that while he is trying to keep his targets for the season realistic, he is expecting to take a victory this year.

"I am still a new driver to the WTCC and I am taking one race at a time, without thinking about the championship," he said.

"But I'm not losing sight of my objectives, which is to score more points and to win a race this year."

WTCC officials have announced that qualifying for the street races at Pau, Porto, and Macau will all consist of 45-minute sessions rather than the usual 30, in case the sessions are seriously affected by incidents.

Monteiro still expects qualifying to be a lottery this weekend though, with overtaking in the race very difficult.

"Overtaking at Pau is complicated so it will be important to be well-placed on the grid," he said. "It will take luck to find a clear lap, and the session might resemble a lottery, so hopefully I will hit the jackpot."