Monteiro rallies to zero in on Algarve.

He may still be waiting to hear whether or not he has retained his seat at Spyker's Formula One team for next season, but Tiago Monteiro isn't exactly sitting by the telephone, waiting for it to ring.

In between continuing negotiations with the Silverstone-based team and pursuing other business interests, the Portuguese ace has accepted Peugeot Portugal's invitation to drive to 0-plated course car on the Casinos do Algarve Rally this weekend [17-18 November].

The 'zero' car is a Peugeot 206 GTi in full 'trophy' specification, adding another vehicle to Monteiro's growing list. Throughout his career, he has driven a diverse range of cars, although most have come from the world of single-seaters. The Peugeot will slot in neatly alongside other roofed racers, including Chrysler Viper, Lamborghini Diablo and the Porsche he drove in his first race in the Coupe de France, but contrasts heavily with the F3, F3000, Champ Car, World Series and F1 machinery he has driven since.

The grand prix 'category' already includes Renault, Minardi, Jordan, Midland and Spyker cars - although the latter pair are ostensibly the same - but Monteiro is looking forward to the new challenge.

"It is more of a new experience than a challenge," he corrected, "With the 'zero' car, I will have a number of tasks and responsibilities and, for the first time, I will have someone at my side telling me what I should do. Paulo Primaz is a good navigator to help me get the most enjoyment out of the car as possible.

"I thank Peugeot Sport Portugal for this invitation, and Carlos Barros too, as he promoted the idea. I hope that our work will be a plus for the rally's organisers and for the public."

Despite his hectic F1 schedule, Monteiro says that he keeps an eye on all forms of motorsport, and has been following the national rally championship in the build-up to his appearance on the Algarve Rally.

"I always like new challenges and trying out new cars, so this is going to be just great," he said.