in Queen’s Birthday Honours List

Britain’s triple FIA World Touring Car Champion, Andy Priaulx has been awarded an MBE. The Guernsey driver’s name appears in today’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List, in recognition of his outstanding motor racing career.

The ‘Schumacher of Touring cars’, Andy is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers of his generation. In November 2007, in another nail-biting climax to the season, the BMW Team UK driver secured his third FIA World Touring Car Championship title, becoming the first British driver ever to win three consecutive FIA titles.

For Priaulx, the MBE is the highest accolade he has received. Last year he joined the roll-call of motor sport greats when he was awarded the prestigious British Racing Drivers’ Club Gold Medal - the first time the award has ever been given to someone who is still competing. He has also received two BARC Gold Medals and has featured on two sets of postal stamps, issued by the local Guernsey Post, to honour their hero.

“It is quite a surprise to receive an envelope with the royal logo on. I was really taken aback and very honoured to read they wanted to bestow the MBE on me. I love my racing and am proud to carry the flags of both Guernsey and the UK on my car and overalls, so recognition of this sort is something really special. This honour is something I shall share with my family, whose support has made it possible for me to concentrate a hundred per cent on my chosen sport,” said a delighted Priaulx.

This weekend Priaulx heads to the Czech Republic for Rounds 9 & 10 of the FIA World Touring Car Championship. The UK event will take place on 26- 27 July at Brands Hatch, where he will also launch his autobiography.