Priaulx expects rivals to close in

Reigning champion Priaulx is currently second in the standings, a point behind Schnitzer BMW driver Augusto Farfus and five ahead of the Brazilian's teammate Jorg Muller.

The trio have been at the head of the championship since BMW dominated the opening rounds in Brazil, but with six races remaining Priaulx believes the SEAT and Chevrolet opposition will close in.

"Partly due to changes to the cars' minimum weights, our rivals have reduced the gap," Priaulx said. "So it's not just us three fighting for the title."

He expects the championship to come down to another Macau decider, and that the diesel SEAT could be a particular threat on the street track.

The Leon TDi took its first win with Yvan Muller at Oschersleben last month, and the result brought the Frenchman up to fourth in the standings, 13 points behind Farfus.

"I think the diesel cars might be a big threat in Macau with their straight line speed," Priaulx admitted. "As always, I have a lot of respect for the competition, but I feel very confident in what I am doing."

Although Priaulx expects BMW's rivals to narrow the gap further, he is confident that his package will be strong enough to stay on top in the deciding rounds.

"I think it's going very well at the moment," he said.

"Our car is a lot more competitive than at the beginning of the year. We are in a good shape, and I feel I should have scored more wins by now.

"The rest of the season will be a thriller."