Muller putting less pressure on himself at the start of the 2012 WTCC season

The Frenchman trailed Chevrolet team-mate Rob Huff in the early part of the 2011 campaign before mounting a resurgence and claiming his second consecutive crown in the Macau finale by just three points.

Muller says he is changing his approach slightly this time in the hope of getting his season off to a smoother start.

"I am approaching this new season in the same way I have always done - thinking that we have to start everything from scratch and nothing can be taken for granted," he said. "I have no particular goals except to do my job as best as I can, and not to put pressure on myself.

"If I made a mistake last year, it was precisely to put excessive pressure on myself at the beginning of the season. I will avoid repeating that this year, which is why I took more time to relax and rest during the winter break."

He said taking more time off during the winter had allowed him to come into 2012 in a stronger position.

"Apart from promotional activities, my coaching courses at an ice driving school in Lapland, and a couple of testing sessions with the team, I have been quite disconnected from racing," said Muller. "I feel I'm in much better shape than at the same time last year.

"Having said that, it is not going to be an easy season with the new reliability rules and increased competition. But I'm ready to take up the challenge."

Huff said he had also needed time to recharge after last year's close title fight.

"I have more or less kept away from racing and cars during the winter," he said. "I think it was necessary after the intense season we had in 2011.

"I am very happy with what I accomplished last year, although it was disappointing to lose the title by a handful of points. It takes an extra little something to beat such a great touring car star like Yvan, and that is what I'll try to achieve this year. I am as motivated and determined as I could be."