Tiago Monteiro will make a hero’s return to the FIA World Touring Car Championship paddock in Qatar next week with Esteban Guerrieri continuing as the factory Honda driver’s stand-in.

Monteiro was leading the WTCC standings following the trip to Argentina in mid-July but hasn’t raced in the series since after being injured in a high-speed testing crash in Spain in September.

Although he’s made huge strides in his recovery, the Portuguese will be on-hand in a supporting capacity only at the Losail International Circuit where the Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team could celebrate a double title triumph.

“While I’m obviously disappointed not to be driving in Qatar, I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of Norbi and Honda becoming WTCC Champions and simply wouldn’t dream of not being there with the team and my incredible mechanics to witness what could be an historic moment,” said Monteiro. “I’ve been part of Honda’s line-up since the inception of the project in 2012 and feel like I’ve made a large contribution; all of which leads up to this moment. Realistically, despite having led the championship for much of the year, I knew my title hopes were over when I was unable to race in Macau, so this one feels like less of a blow. With a full winter ahead of me to continue my recovery, I’m not going to take any unnecessary risks and instead aim to return to the cockpit of a racing car next year.”

Guerrieri has impressed since taking over Monteiro’s Civic WTCC in Japan last month, claiming four top six finishes and scoring potentially vital points for Honda in its bid to win the FIA World Touring Car Championship for Manufacturers for a second time.