THE odds are stacked heavily against Andy Priaulx in Mexico this weekend. The Guernseyman, who leads the World Touring Car Championship by three points, becomes the first driver in the history of the competition to carry the maximum weight handicap of 80kg.

Add to that the Autodromo Miguel E. Abed being at an altitude of 2,200m, which reduces the power output of the engines by approximately 20%, and it is obviously going to be a tough meeting for Priaulx.

The Sarnian, though, believes he can continue to use other rules to his advantage and gain something from the weekend.

‘In 2005, we experienced how difficult it is for us to be at the front in Puebla, especially when we are carrying a lot of weight,’ Priaulx said.

‘But I am familiar with this situation. Recently I have been able to use the reversed grid to my advantage a few times and win, even with a lot of additional weight.

‘Considering the 80kg handicap, the track altitude and the particular layout of the circuit, however, I don’t expect an easy race weekend.’

Last year, Priaulx was the sole BMW driver to collect a point in Mexico. It is the only race track in the WTCC that includes sections of an oval.

‘The circuit in Puebla has been modified, particularly to increase safety, which was obviously the right decision. Overall, I don’t believe the basic track characteristics have changed dramatically.’

It has been four weeks since the WTCC was in Brazil, but Priaulx has been kept busy in the interim, the highlight being the opportunity to drive both the BMW Sauber F1 and his 2005 WTCC-winning cars at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

‘It was a special moment for me to be a part of it,’ he said. ‘It was great to be able to be in front of the British fans again. The weekend was simply fantastic.’