Muller not ruling out Priaulx

The Frenchman will start race one from the front row of the grid, ahead of all of his title rivals, but his is wary of the fact that Priaulx could become a factor simply by finishing eighth in the first race, earning pole position for race two.

"I don't think we can forget about Andy," said Muller, who is tied on points with the double world champion. "He has two BMWs ahead of him who will let him past, so he could finish in P8."

Muller's closest title rival is Augusto Farfus in fourth place, and the SEAT driver added that he was pleased to be sharing the front row with Alain Menu, who is not a factor in the title race.

He also pointed out how glad he was to have teammate Gabriele Tarquini offering support behind him in third, as the Italian has vowed to do all he can to help Muller win the title for SEAT.

"We are on the front row and Andy and Augusto are far behind, and that is important," he said. "I was on pole for a long time, but the important thing is the championship.

"I prefer to be alongside Alain than someone else, and for sure having Gabriele behind can be a help. He gave me a tow, and it is good to have him around me."