Tiago Monteiro has joined team-mate Rob Huff in insisting Honda’s factory drivers won’t be under any orders from above as they fight it out for the FIA World Touring Car Championship’s coveted runner-up position.
Huff was rankled by José María López’s decision to hand Citroën team-mate the Main Race victory in Japan earlier this month, which allowed the Frenchman to draw level on points with second-placed Monteiro.
While López was adamant this was a gesture of respect to his French colleague on the day the Argentine became provisional WTCC champion for a third time, Huff suggested it amounted to team orders and therefore “made no sense for the WTCC’s loyal army of fans”.
“My aim is to secure second place in the drivers’ championship,” said Monteiro. “Any of the Honda drivers could finish second and there are no team orders, which is exactly how it should be. I hope the other teams take the same approach.”
WTCC Race of China takes place at the Shanghai International Circuit from 23-25 September. Norbert Michelisz, who completes the factory Honda line-up, is also part of the seven-way fight for second place in the final standings.