British Comp: Priaulx

Priaulx was voted for the award ahead of the likes of Jenson Button (F1), David Coulthard (F1), Richard Lyons (FNippon), Gary Paffet (DTM) and Dan Wheldon (IRL). It was a measure of the BMW Great Britain driver's achievements that he is the first non-F1 star to win the award since 1998.

Priaulx fought hard for the FIA ETCC title and indeed went into the final round in Dubai behind series leader Dirk Muller, but season-long consistency stayed with him to the last and he clinched the title.

"I really didn't expect this award," said Priaulx. "It's been a tremendous season. I took it one race at a time and it's really still only sinking in that I'm ETCC champion!

"I didn't know until after I came in after that last lap in Dubai that I was champion. I went into Dubai with a free mind and I wanted to leave saying I was one of the fastest drivers in the series, so to come away with the title was very special."

Next year the ETCC becomes a world championship and Priaulx can't wait. "More and more manufacturers are committing to the series. Big name drivers are coming in including James Thompson. It's good racing, and he is going to love it."