Priaulx feeling like the underdog

Heading into what is expected to be a hard-fought season finale, with SEAT's Yvan Muller tied with him at the top of the points standings, Priaulx has confessed that he does not consider himself the leading contender this year.

"I feel like the challenger but I love it," Priaulx told in Macau. "I have had a fantastic season this year.

"It has been tough for us but we have still managed to get the results at the end of the day, I am still the best BMW by 10 points, and I am still leading the championship.

"I have never come here in such a healthy position. I have always come here slightly behind, but in a lot of ways I feel like the challenger.

"A lot of people don't want me to win it again but that actually motivates me more than anything else. It is helping me. I am fired up really."

Priaulx is predicting a close fight between BMW and SEAT, but is wary of the top-speed of his rivals thanks to their turbo diesel engine.

"I don't think there will be a big difference between us, but you have to drive 18 laps around here with traffic and a lot can happen in that time," he explained. "It is not going to be just down to speed, it will be down to a number of factors.

"I think it is not going to be quite as straight cut this year. I think there is clearly a deficit in the regulations at the moment and I don't know if it is going to change for the weekend or not.

"The turbo charged diesel (in the SEAT) is based on regulations that were written 10 years ago when diesels were absolutely useless and no one wanted them. Now they are much stronger. I see a difference there.

"If there is one guy I would like to race with it is Yvan Muller. He is a quality driver and he is somebody that I respect, which is a good start. It gives me a good motivation."

Although the previous round at Monza witnessed a number of incidents between the manufacturer teams, Priaulx has said he is not worried about contact deciding the outcome of the title chase.

"It is something I cannot influence. I think Macau is pretty much one of those circuits where everybody needs to look after themselves because it is fast and it is dangerous.

"If anybody wants to get into that funny business then they are also risking themselves a big accident as well."

But Priaulx is not taking any chances himself - wearing the traditional lucky Buddha figurine that has been with him since he won his first WTCC crown in 2005.

"Yeah he's back, but I've got a new one this time," he smiled. "You make your own luck around here and all I can say is that I am extremely prepared.

"I have never worked as hard as this before. I am lean, fit, and worked hard with the team. We have had four brilliant tests building up to this. We have made some improvements to the car so I think it will be possible to win it."