Gregor Grant: Andy Priaulx

The Briton, who captured his second crown at Macau last month, was presented with his award by Jean Alesi and Eddie Jordan.

Looking back on his success, which earned him an Autosport front cover as the 'Schumacher of touring cars', Priaulx said: "That meant a lot to me - firstly for Autosport to give me a front cover especially in touring cars. The Autosport guys have been brilliant this year, they have followed every race.

"But to be the Schumacher of touring cars is special. If I can't be in F1, then I wanted to be the Schumacher in whatever I could do. You are only as good as your weakest link in motorsport, so this is down to a lot of good people."

Priaulx said that his success in Macau was down to his preparation for the event - where he knew that he needed to perform at his best if he was going to have any chance of success.

"The problem with this championship is that it always goes to the last race, partly because there are so many good drivers, but also because of weight system and reverse grid," he explained.

"I needed to work on my mind. I have a lot of respect for my competitors, but knew I had to do better. If I did my best race then I knew I had a chance."