Ekblom to partner Priaulx

The 36-year-old will drive a second car for the RBM team, who usually run just one car for Priaulx.

Ekblom has raced for RBM in the past, and he scored three podiums for the team in the ETCC in 2002.

Team boss Bart Mampaey said: "We are pleased to have him back, supporting Andy in the fight for the title.

"In the closing stages of the championship it is especially helpful for a team to have two cars on the starting grid."

The team have often run an extra car at the season finale in a bid to help Priaulx win the title, and one of Ekblom's rounds will be the last race of the year at Macau.

He will also compete in his home race at Anderstorp, and at the Italian round at Monza.

Ekblom added: "It is really impressive to see what Bart has managed to build up with his crew and Andy.

"I had a good time with them in 2002 and hope that I can contribute a few points as we move into the deciding stages of the championship."

Priaulx is currently nine points adrift of championship leader Augusto Farfus in the championship after he crashed out of one of the races at Brno.