Just champion! Allan McNish Q&A

"From a career point of view this is a big thing. This is a hard-fought championship with a lot of competitive teams. But it's also a long championship that has included many different situations: We've raced on a variety of circuits and in lots of weather conditions.
"But this title isn't just a success for me. There are 150 people behind me at Audi Sport and Joest. I've had very good support from the team. We've probably won some races, Portland for certain, thanks to great strategy and pitstops."


"In some ways I would prefer to be joint champion. We've fought as a team this year. I've supported him, and vice versa. But only one of us can be champion, which is purely down to the vagaries of the points system."


"It has opened more doors than I ever could have imagined. I wouldn't have an F1 deal without sportscar racing, no doubt about it. I would say I'm better as a driver now. I'm better technically and a faster driver. And most of that speed has come from confidence. In turn, that has come from driving with top operations such as Audi, Porsche and Toyota. I have to thank Porsche and Herbert Ampferer [the marque's sports boss] for giving me my first opportunity back in 1997."


"I hope so. If there was an opportunity to come back to the ALMS I would be happy to do it. And I'm sure when I do come back, it will be even stronger."


"I haven't given it too much thought to be honest. I've got a great opportunity with Toyota and I've got to grab it with both hands. Anything I do would have to fit in around that programme."


"I wouldn't have signed a contract with Toyota if I didn't think I had a chance. This is my best ever opportunity of breaking into F1 and I'm sure I'm capable of making the most of it. I don't think Toyota would have signed me if they didn't think I was capable, either."

To read the Las Vegas race report click here .