Superleague Formula

Last week’s launch at FC Porto gave ex-Formula 1 driver and SEAT World Touring Car Championship star, Tiago Monteiro the opportunity to try the car on for size.

An avid FC Porto supporter, Monteiro believes the Superleague Formula championship is a great idea – particularly the plan of having the second race as a reverse grid event, as he (and club captain, Pedro Emanuel) explain in the film above.

“I think it’s a great concept. To join the fans and strength of football with motorsport is a project that can only have success because there are so many fans in those two sports. Bring them together and it will be very popular.

“I’m a professional driver and all these championships are very interesting and it is a matter of looking closely at it. I have a contract for 2008 with SEAT in the World Touring Car Championship but you never know, maybe it is possible to do something.

Monteiro also commented on Superleague Formula’s ‘reverse grids’ concept:

“As a driver it is always frustrating because you have done all the hard work and won the first race and then have to start from the back. It is certainly hard, but I think it is good for the show and at the end of the day you have to make the fans happy – that’s what they want to see, lots of passing.”

We also got the chance to speak to 2007 World Series Renault championship winner, Alvaro Parente, who also won the 2005 British Formula 3 Championship: “The concept is very good. To mix football – which is the biggest sport – with car racing is really incredible. I am used to seeing FC Porto winning on the football pitch and if we can see the same in Superleague Formula, that would be brilliant.”

You can see all the films from our launch at FC Porto on our YouTube Channel here.