Priaulx eyes title return

BMW ace Andy Priaulx has vowed to recapture his World Touring Car Championship title after losing top spot to SEAT star Yvan Muller.

The flying Frenchman ended Brit Priaulx’s three-year reign by finishing third in race one of the final round, which was staged on the streets of Macau last weekend. The points Muller secured were sufficient to see off fellow Leon TDI racer Gabriele Tarquini – his sole title challenger.

“It’s a lot easier when you have been beaten by a good driver such as Yvan,” remarked the deposed Priaulx after ending his campaign with two more podiums to confirm his position as BMW’s number one. “I still feel positive, and am looking forward to the challenge of trying to take the crown back next year.

“The most important thing is to win the title. That is what everybody is aiming at, and nobody remembers anything other than that.

I am proud to be the best BMW driver again, and now we have to focus on next year’s championship.”

Having lost out to Priaulx in Macau 12 months ago, the vastly experienced Muller was relieved not to slip up for a second time. “One year ago I came here and was very sad,” he said. “Finally I am here on top of the world – I’ll remember this for a long time.”

As well as adding the 2008 WTCC crown to his 2003 British title, Muller made history by becoming the first man to win a driver’s world championship using a diesel-powered car.