WTCC Champion Priaulx Celebrates 100th BMW Race

British driver and reigning WTCC champion Andy Priaulx celebrated his 100th touring car race with BMW during the championship rounds held at Monza on the weekend of October 6-7. And although Priaulx’s race experience at the Italian circuit did not measure up with that recently enjoyed at Brands Hatch – he was forced to retire after being the innocent party in a collision – the champion still sits at the top of the Drivers’ Championship, sharing 81 points apiece with Seat driver Yvan Muller.

“I’ve had a great career with BMW,” said Priaulx in a press release. “I’m very proud of my 100th race and I hope we will be together for another 100. This weekend’s races are to be forgotten and I’m going to Macau leading the championship with every chance of winning. BMW don’t like losing so I’m sure there will be five weeks of hard work in preparation for the final round.”

Priaulx worked his Yokohama Advan control tyres hard at Brands Hatch on September 23 to achieve his first ever WTCC victory on home soil, a win that made him a definite contender in the Drivers’ Championship and ensured BMW remains favourite for this year’s Manufacturers’ Championship.

The final two WTCC races for this year take place in Macau on November 18, and with a total of 20 points up for grabs in the Drivers’ Championship half a dozen drivers retain the chance of claiming victory in 2007.