British racing ace, Andy Priaulx, is leading a five-way battle for the FIA World Touring Car Championship drivers’ title this weekend as he heads to Valencia for the penultimate race meeting of 2006.

A run of difficult races for the reigning champion has allowed his competitors an opportunity to snatch the title from his grasp as Priaulx’s lead has dwindled to just one point.

“My results have been disappointing recently but it was partly expected because of the weight and also the last round at Istanbul wasn’t ideal for the car but we under-performed as well,” said Priaulx, from Guernsey.

“I just have to work hard on the car because you can only drive as fast as the car and the success ballast* will allow you. In motor racing it’s a team effort - there’s no me or I in team.”

The 32-year-old will once again carry significant ballast during this weekend’s WTCC action at Valencia, which he says cannot help but affect his grid position.

“It’s very frustrating for the leader of the championship to be far back on the grid”, said Priaulx, who drives for BMW. “The fans want to see champions fighting against each other for race wins.

“I understand that the rules have to allow everybody a chance to do well and it’s just one of those things that I’ll have to drive around. You have to expect bad races from time to time but I won’t give up without a fight.”

Harrogate’s James Thompson, who lies fifth in the championship, can count on huge support this weekend as SEAT Sport comes home to an expectant Spanish crowd.

With significantly less ballast than his four rivals for the title, Thompson will be confident that he can mount a late surge for the coveted WTTC crown, after briefly leading the prestigious field earlier in the year.

“I have to say that, for me, Valencia should be a nice change after the last couple of circuits that we’ve been to,” said the two-times British Touring Car Champion. “It’s a really nice track and the home support will be very welcome. Hopefully it’ll give us some extra incentive to put one over on BMW and Alfa!”

Success at the 4.005km (2.49 mile) Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia on Sunday would also push SEAT Sport closer to the manufacturers’ title, which they currently lead by nine points from BMW.

Both of Sunday’s races will be shown live on Eurosport at 2.15pm and 3.25pm (BST) respectively.