By Huw Alban
January 4 2006

Ahead of the official car launch on the 3rd of February I've found some quotes from Tiago Monteiro where he describes what he claims to be the new Midland-Toyota M16 chassis The quotes were originally published by f1grandprix.it just before Christmas. Tiago apparently got a look at the new car when he was up at the Silverstone factory base late in 2005.

"In the wind tunnel it looks very radical and modern," he was quoted as saying. "Basically it looks good and quick -- let's see how it is on the track soon."

It is no secret that Midland want to move up the grid in 2006, but whether the M16 is the car to do it "is still very unknown" according to the Portugese driver.

"I think we could get a good upgrade soon after (the car's launch) as well," he continued. "Personally I want to do better than last year."

One thing Tiago is certain of is that the change in tyre rules and the addition of Toyota and Williams on Bridgestone rubber will benefit Midland greatly. "Most definitely it will be better for (Bridgestone). It will be a better year."

Don't forget Monteiro fans - this proves nothing in relation to Tiago's future relationship with the team. We have no idea when the quotes were obtained, and the team have insisted to us here that an announcement with regard to the No.2 seat would be made early in this month.

Enthusiasm to simmer mode if you please...