The road to success for Aiello

The 30-year-old has won the French and German touring car titles, as well as winning the Le Mans 24 Hours last year.

With that pedigree he was always going to be one of the favourites to take the BTCC crown, and he didn't disappoint.

His record speaks for itself this year; 10 race wins, 10 pole positions and 15 podium place has given him the title, but as he said he was still surprised to be competing for the championship at this very late stage.

After the Sprint Race at Silverstone this afternoon, a thrilled Aiello said, 'I cannot explain exactly what this means to me. I must thank the team for giving me the confidence to win the title in my first year.

'Everything was new to me, the circuits, the drivers, the car - but the team has been fantastic and I owe this championship to them. Winning the championship in these conditions is a bit strange.

'I had to concentrate so hard just to stay on the track out there and it hasn't really sunk in yet.

'I was a bit concerned to be still fighting for the title after 10 race wins, but that is the nature of this series.

'I have really enjoyed this year and I would love to be back in the BTCC next year to defend the title. If I'm not here with Nissan then I hope to be with someone else.'