Priaulx the sole BMW point-scorer in Mexico

By Gareth Le Prevost

Andy Priaulx in action in Puebla, Mexico, where he was the only BMW driver to pick up a point. (Picture by FIA WTCC)

ANDY PRIAULX may not have had the best weekend of his career in Mexico for rounds three and four of the FIA WTCC, but he was the only BMW driver to leave the Puebla track with a point.

The BMW Team UK driver gained this single point for the marque with a spirited drive in race two where he finished eighth after managing only 10th in race one.

‘That was a tough one, but in many ways I am as happy with what I did here as I have been when I have won races, as I know I could not have fought harder than I did, especially in race two,’ he said.

‘This was a “yellow wash” for us with Seat claiming so many points. I can’t even say I could have done better with a higher qualifying position, as they were very strong all weekend, right up to the final laps of the race.’

Priaulx, the reigning world champion, leaves the Mexican meeting fifth in the drivers’ championship, again upholding BMW honours.

This weekend he was the heaviest of the BMW drivers with a success ballast of 33 kilos and now hopes that he can prove how good his car can be in Valencia with a few less kilos to impede his progress.

The weekend was tinged with sadness as before the first race all the drivers held a minute’s silence on the grid in memory of Euosport commentator and former touring car champion, David Leslie, who died in a plane crash a week ago.

‘It was a very emotional start to our race, but I know all of us wanted to put on a show David would have loved commentating on.

‘I would have been proud to dedicate a win to him, but as this one point was so hard earned, I shall dedicate it to his memory,’ said Priaulx after the races.