Priaulx content to be best in WTCC

The Brit had a test with Williams after winning the 2005 title, but he has said that he is satisfied with his single-seater achievements and he has no urge to pursue a role as a test driver.

"I would rather be seen as one of the best drivers in the world at what I do rather than a Formula One test driver," Priaulx told the BBC Sport website.

"Who wants to drive around a rainy circuit three days a week with nobody even watching? At least I'm racing week in, week out, and fighting for championships."

Priaulx raced in Formula Three prior to making his switch to touring cars at the beginning of 2002, and in that time he raced against current F1 drivers Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson.

"I have beaten lots of guys who are racing in F1," he said. "I have been through the whole process, and at least I was in the boxing ring with blood on my face having a go."

Despite all of his success for BMW in recent years, Priaulx admitted that he is still relieved just to be able to race.

"The fact that I am racing at all gives me great satisfaction as I've never had much money behind me," he said.

"I have been with guys who have been rated as some of the best around but are now doing nothing, so I'm delighted to be one of the few that is working professionally and fighting for titles."