Tiago Monteiro was co-driver for a day

F3000 driver ran alongside national off-road champ Carlos Sousa

Tiago Monteiro, Formula 3000 driver, had the opportunity to be Carlos Sousa’s co-driver for a day, ridding the very new Mistubishi Strakar on an off-road track near Lisbon. The young driver demonstrated great enthusiasm after his first contact with off-road built cars.

“I never had the opportunity to ride alongside Carlos in a machine like this. The differences to the types of cars I drive are huge. Had the Mitsubishi Strakar not been a car prepared to run at the highest level, I would have to say it has nothing in common with my F3000 car”, remarked Monteiro, impressed with the experience.

“Everything in the Strakar is beyond expectation. The stability of the car is remarkable and it can actually be quite comfortable, at least for whoever is riding along for a couple of laps”, continues young Monteiro, surprised by the braking efficiency.

“Of all the aspects in this car, what impressed me the most was the braking capacity of the Strakar. I would never imagined that in grounds of this sort, braking could be so efficient. It is incredible to watch the Mitsubishi Strakar go from such a fast rhythm to a slow one with no difficulties whatsoever. It is almost immediate”, concluded Tiago Monteiro, whose friendship with the national Off-Road Champ goes back a couple of years.

“Carlos and I closely follow each others career. We call each other after a good result. I enjoyed riding by his side. It was a great experience and Carlos’s driving ability is impressive. Now it is my turn to take him for a ride!” Ended the Renault Formula One Drivers Development Program driver. 

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