Macau WTCC

Priaulx woe sets up Macau shoot-out

Macau's famous streets will once again witness a thrilling climax to the World Touring Car Championship.

Auto Express Car Reviews

Yvan Muller and Jordi Gene took wins after Priaulx failed to finish

12th October 2007

No fewer than six drivers are in contention for the title, after double WTCC champ Andy Priaulx failed to score a single point at Monza.

The Guernseyman arrived in Italy with a chance of capturing the crown for the third time on the trot. But, with the circuit favouring his front-wheel-drive rivals, Priaulx could only qualify in a lowly 13th.

Starting both showdowns in the midfield melee, his BMW was twice damaged in the opening corner scrum, resulting in two immediate retirements. “This is the price you pay when you don’t achieve a good qualifying result,” he said. “But I still have a chance of the title in Macau. That’s the most important thing.”

Former BTCC champ Yvan Muller was the man to make the most of Priaulx’s troubles. Racing SEAT’s new diesel turbo Leon, he won the opening encounter and then finished fifth in the second showdown. Muller is now tied with Priaulx on 81 points at the top of the table. They in turn have a 10-point lead over another BMW driver, Augusto Farfus.

James Thompson is still in contention, too – the Alfa ace bagged 12 points at Monza to move up to fourth on 69 points. The two others in the hunt are Farfus’ team-mate Jorg Muller, and Nicola Larini.

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