Rydell expects four-way fight

Nine drivers still have a mathematical chance of taking the title at Macau, but the Swede is predicting that two SEATs and two BMWs will be the main contenders.

"Realistically, I think the fight will be between myself, Gabriele (Tarquini) Andy Priaulx and Dirk Muller," said Rydell.

The 1998 British Touring Car champion didn't mention two of the top three drivers in the standings though, including championship leader Augusto Farfus.

The Alfa Romeo driver will carry 80 kilograms of success ballast in the season finale, while third-placed Jorg Muller will carry 75 kilograms.

Reigning champion Priaulx is just a point behind Farfus with just 45 kilograms of ballast, which is the same as Tarquini. Rydell and his other tip Dirk Muller will only carry 35 kilograms.

Rydell admitted that the nature of the Macau street track means that any of the nine drivers could become contenders over the course of the event, which is less than two weeks away.

"Macau is almost impossible to predict," he said, "so if any of the other drivers wins race one then it's all still open."

The SEAT driver is confident of his own chances, and believes that with less bad luck he could have been closer to the top of the championship than his current six-point deficit.

"I've had the speed all season - three pole positions confirms that - but if you think that I couldn't start the first race at Brno and I had a 10 place penalty in Mexico, I could have been higher in the points."