Britain’s Andy Priaulx stands a good chance of regaining the lead of the 2006 FIA World Touring Car Championship this weekend when he takes on Yvan Muller at his home circuit in Magny-Cours.

Round One in Monza, Italy saw plenty of action as Priaulx, reigning champion, claimed the first win of the season for Britain in his bid to get a hat-trick of titles for BMW.

However, the 31-year-old failed to finish the second race after an incident with fellow-countryman James Thompson while trying to pass on the third lap of the race.

That means the man currently topping the tables is Frenchman Muller, who secured two second places at Monza.

However Muller’s success comes with a price. The former British Touring Car Champion will have to carry a 65kg weight handicap - a penalty given to all the top-finishers to ensure close racing in the series.

Thompson, driving a SEAT Leon, finished third in the first race and ninth in the second. Fellow Brit Rob Huff came in 19th and 12th in his Chevrolet Lacetti.

Racing kicks off again this weekend and can be seen live on Eurosport. Qualifying starts at 14.00 on Saturday and Sunday’s race action will air between 14.15 and 15.45.