Interview with Andy Priaulx

Having also taken the European title in 2004, his third successive crown has seen him match the achievement of touring car legend Roberto Ravaglia - who took the ETCC crown in 1986, the WTCC crown in 1987 and another ETCC crown the year after.

Autosport.com caught up with Priaulx after what he called the 'hardest and best' race of his career to look back at his weekend, and find out what he believes has been the secret of his success.

Q. This is your third title in a row and you have equalled the achievements of a touring car legend like Roberto Ravaglia. So should we call you, Mr. Touring Car now?

AP: Thank you very much. I am just absolutely numb with emotion from today. The pressure was massive. Jorg (Muller) drove brilliantly, he did what he needed to do and I had to just drive my very best race ever. I had the car to do it and I had the team to give me the car. The reliability was brilliant and we just made it happen.

But it is lovely to be here in Macau. To win the race and to win a third title means a lot to me. The competition this year has been massive. With nine drivers coming to the last race (fighting for the title), I think it has been a vintage year. I didn't know until the very last lap, until I crossed the start-finish line, whether I had won it or not. This really is a top-level championship, it is world-class level, and I am pleased to be in such an amazing series.

Q. The first race was like a dream, but the second race was a different matter. Were you sweating in the car?

AP: Yeah, that was my hardest race ever. I had a lot of pressure from Fabrizio Giovanardi and James Thompson in front of me, who was slower, so he was causing me to back up again with Fabrizio. And he was touching me, hitting me the whole lap, every lap, for nine laps. So the pressure was massive. To see Jorg leading and of course he is a BMW driver, but we are both after the world championship.

BMW had already clinched the manufacturers' championship, so the pressure was massive. But I am pleased that I managed to do it. I would like to add that SEAT have made a massive commitment to the championship this year and they deserve a pat on the back because they have been very, very quick but I am just pleased that I am in a BMW.

Q. Looking back over the season, what do you think were the significant moments?

AP: Well I won the championship by one point and in Valencia, I came from last and got one point. My season has been the best I've ever had, I've had five wins with a new car and I've been competitive despite carrying more weight than anyone else, I don't think anyone can argue with that.

Q. You have won two titles in a row, what's next for you?

AP: Another title!

Q. During the second race, were you aware of what you needed to do to be guaranteed the championship?

AP: I just knew that I needed to finish sixth, but I knew that I could easily slip back to seventh. When I saw Peter Terting pull over - that made me relax, but Thommo (James Thompson) was really quick down the start-finish straight and slow over the top. Fabrizio was pushing me hard and he kept hitting me. But I did not know until I crossed the finish line.

Q. Was the biggest worry that Giovanardi would try and move and spin you out?

AP: I don't know what he was racing for, but he didn't take me out so I have to thank him for that. He put me under a lot of pressure, but I wasn't able to go any faster because Thommo was slowing me up. So I couldn't drive with any risk. I'm just pleased that I won from pole (in the first race), won my first race in Macau and had five race wins this year, three pole positions and had the most weight three times in a row.

It's been special because this has been one of the most difficult titles ever. Even 18 years ago there wasn't the level of competition there is now. With reverse grids and equal cars it's huge. It was really special, that was my best race ever, because I felt my mind was right and I kept out of trouble to finish both races.

Q. How does the feeling of winning the championship compare to last year's success?

AP: This means a lot more to me than the last one. I think the fact last year only three drivers could win it and after the first race, I'd almost clinched it, this feels more like Dubai (in the ETCC finale in 2004) where I went to the last lap and it was special. There I was 12 points behind. The pressure has been huge but I've been able to deal with it and soak it all in.

Q. What do you think were the most important races for you this season?

AP: To win four races at the beginning of the year was very important, but then I had a heavy car and problems with carrying 80 kilos and being nowhere. Some race incidents also set me right back. But to come from nearly last and to get a point (at Valencia) and to win the championship by a point was crucial. Also the drives in Mexico where I went from nowhere to being in the first seven, where I passed (Gabriele) Tarquini and drove with a lot of determination was important.

Q. Your boss Mario Theissen has praised your dedication to the job, and believes your level of preparation has been a key factor in this title. Would you agree?

AP: I think you can't just rely on ability at this level. Everyone has that. You can all get in the car, it's a world-class championship and the level of talent is massive. So you need to do something different and you only need to look at the great drivers.

(Ayrton) Senna and (Alain) Prost weren't just relying on their own ability, so the fact that I've come through a very hard education in motorsport, with not a lot of money made me work hard. I've been here on Sunday, I've worked hard all week I haven't done anything other than stay at the hotel room. I feel that I've worked really hard and deserved it today.

Q. Will you be doing the WTCC again next year?

AP: There is nowhere else to go. I thought a lot last year, but the world was still the same when I woke up on the Monday. At least I can smile when I wake up though. I think all it means is that I can remain for a long time in motorsport. But I'll be coming here again next year and everyone will have forgotten about the world title. I've got to do the same all over again. At least when I finish my career, people will remember that I did three in a row. Which to me means a lot more than being a world champion.

Q. And is it true you were wearing the Lucky Buddha that brought you great success here last year?

AP: Yep, I had it again. I've worked really hard this year on my mind and my meditation. I might be a bit spooky, but you have to look for every advantage. But this has been a tough year and it doesn't get any tougher than this. I'm not saying F1 is easy, but I think this is comparable in competitiveness at the highest level. It means I go to bed feeling happy with myself.