Honda appeals Monteiro WTCC exclusion, blames collision damage

Monteiro claimed his third win of the season at Buriram on Sunday, but was excluded when his Civic failed a ground-clearance check.

That handed victory to Sebastien Loeb, who led a Citroen 1-2-3 in the updated results.

Monteiro's team says that the left-hand side of his car failing the FIA's 60mm check was as a result of damage from the first race, held less than one hour earlier.

A statement said that a clash with John Filippi, "caused significant damage to the Civic WTCC.

"As a result of the impact, the fixing point of the splitter on the front left hand side was weakened.

"The team carried out all necessary checks to ensure the conformity of the car to be ready for the second race.

"As there was not a lot of time between races, the team did an excellent job of fixing the damage and making the car as safe as possible."

The case has been lodged with the FIA International Court of Appeal.

"Based on our good faith and the proof we have showing that the problem happened due to contact and had no technical advantage - on the contrary - Honda decided to appeal," Monteiro added.

"We believe we have a strong case, but in a tribunal you never know.

"It was a deserved win with no technical advantage whatsoever and an important one for the championships."