If history repeats itself, Priaulx is in the best possible position
Should Britain’s Andy Priaulx win this year’s FIA World Touring Car Championship it will be his third consecutive world title and judging by his record in the 2005 competition, the odds are stacked in his favour.
At the same stage in the season two years ago (six rounds to go), the Guernsey-born racing driver was one point behind his BMW team-mate – exactly the same predicament he finds himself in now, one week before his home round at Brands Hatch, even down to the points total!
“It’s strange to be in the same position again,” said the 33-year-old who currently has 68 points to Augusto Farfus’ 69, whose 2005 counterpart was Dirk Müller. “Yes, I want BMW to win but I want to be the number one! I’m focussed on winning the championship and that’s primary; every driver would be the same in my position.
“It’s difficult to say what will happen in this championship and there’s definitely no room for complacency. I’ve got to score an average five points from every race between now and the end of the season to be in with a chance.”If things continue as they are, Huff should be champion in 2009!Chevrolet’s Rob Huff is having his best WTCC season ever, running in ninth place compared to 13th at the same point last year and 19th the year before. With that rate of improvement, approximately one third per year, the Cambridge racer can expect to be fighting for the lead of the championship by 2009.
“I didn’t know that!” said the 27-year-old. “It plays nicely into my career plans though!
“Every time I get in the car, I feel I’m improving. The Chevrolet is now one of the best cars to be in. The consistency and pace has taken huge leaps forward and if everything keeps improving the way it is, next year we’re going to have a damn good crack at winning the drivers championship.”
The third British entry, James Thompson, was last year fighting with Priaulx for the championship but has spent most of this year finding the right set-up with his new team N.Technology Alfa Romeo. The combination resulted in a spectacular double win at Valencia earlier in the year, and the Harrogate racer is currently in seventh.
Adult admission to Brands Hatch on Sunday 23 September costs £30, but only £24 if you book online at motorsportvision.co.uk, with an online weekend ticket costing £34.
Children aged 12 and under go free.
Grandstand seating starts at £5 and the Race Day Pit Walkabout, which opens at 09:00 on Sunday, costs £12. Advance booking is available from the Ticket Hotline on 08709 509000 and closes at noon on Tuesday 18 September.
