Weight loss key for Muller

The Frenchman only finished 10th in the feature race at Silverstone three weeks ago and is languishing third in the points standings behind Astra team-mates James Thompson and Matt Neal. But without the disadvantage of weight ballast in Ireland, Muller has a great chance to hit back.

"Going to Mondello with low ballast should mean that qualifying will go in my favour," he said after topping last week's final TOCA test of the season at Donington Park. "Mondello is a quick circuit though so we'll see what happens."

Thompson holds an 18-point lead over Muller, but with 15 up for grabs for a win and Neal just four behind him, the Englishman is remaining cautious. Having won the feature event at Silverstone, he will be carrying a maximum 42kgs of 'success' ballast this weekend.

"it's a real shame I'll be carrying the ballast for qualifying and the sprint race at Mondello but I'll just have to get on with it," said Thompson. "Yvan will be difficult to beat but I've got to try to win as many races as possible."

Qualifying takes place on Saturday afternoon at 2.15pm, with the sprint race starting on Sunday at 12.15pm.