Priaulx: title fight still wide open

The Briton, who lies just one point behind BMW teammate Dirk Muller in the championship standings ahead of the finale on Sunday, claims the WTCC's reverse grid format could still throw the formbook on its head.

"I think my chances are as good as everyone else, although maybe a little bit better after today," said Priaulx, who qualified six tenths of a second ahead of local driver Andre Couto in the Alfa Romeo. "But there are two races to think about.

"In the first one I hope to be able to finish in the top two places and after that, with the reverse grid, I think things will get a bit more serious. It will be exciting, and maybe a bit dangerous, but I will then need to just get through the traffic and try and bag some points."

The top eight positions in the first WTCC race are reversed for the second event - which means that sixth fastest Muller and ninth fastest Fabrizio Giovanardi are still well in contention for the title even if they do not make an impact in the first event.

Priaulx, who purchased a Lucky Buddha necklace from a Macau shop to try and help boost his good fortune, is well aware that events could still conspire against him.

When asked whether he felt he could dictate events on Sunday, he said: "No, not at this level. The Safety Car periods are going to be an issue, as will crashed cars out on the circuit. I don't think I will be able to dictate anything. My rivals will do that... as well as my Lucky Buddha."