ANDY PRIAULX is not happy that he will have to drive with the maximum handicap weight in the next meeting of the World Touring Car Championship. Last year’s champion is currently leading the WTCC standings at the halfway mark in the series.

His performance in the last two rounds in Curitiba, Brazil, where he won round 10, ensures that the Guernseyman will have to carry the full 80kg on board his BMW 320si for the next two rounds at the Puebla-Amozoc circuit.

The high altitude of the Mexican track also adds to the problem.

‘I may as well sit at home and enjoy the Guernsey sunshine,’ he said. ‘At 2,000m it’s a double whammy. The weight means more at that altitude.

‘But I’ve got to be careful not to build up a mental block about it.’

The 31-year-old’s closest rivals will drive much lighter cars at the elevated Mexican track.

Second-placed James Thompson will have his Seat loaded with 60kg while Gabriele Tarquini in third place has been burdened with 45kg.

Priaulx pointed out the effect that the weight handicap had in Brazil on his fellow BMW driver and last year’s runner-up, Dirk Muller. The German finished in lowly 20th and 15th places over the two races.

‘Dirk Muller qualified in 19th place with 70kg and he is not a 19th qualifying driver,’ said Priaulx.

‘I’m a stubborn Guernsey donkey and I’m not going out without a fight. I’ve actually had a Guernsey donkey put on the back of my helmet.

‘I’m just going to go for it.’

Mexico does not hold any fond memories for Priaulx. At last year’s Puebla meeting he was robbed at gunpoint on the way to the circuit. He also got food poisoning.

‘I don’t think Mexico has any good memories for anyone,’ he said.

‘Everyone went home on a drip or on Diocalm. They poisoned 120 people at the track.

‘I’m taking rich tea biscuits and baked beans with me this year. That’s all I’m going to eat when I’m there.’

The track will be different from the one that Priaulx and his contemporaries experienced last year. Under the instruction of the FIA circuits commission who deemed it too dangerous, Puebla has undergone some major restructuring.

The changes have been brought in to try and reduce the risks of dramatic crashes that last year forced Jorg Muller and Adriano de Micheli out of the event after the free practice. Priaulx has not been to Puebla since the changes.

‘They have tried to improve from last year’s disaster,’ said Priaulx.

‘I hope the safety is better. They are looking to slow it down and take us away from the walls.

‘I can’t say if it’s any better until we see what it’s like.’