ANDY PRIAULX already finds himself in a familiar position – at the top of the World Touring Car Championship. The two-time defending champion is equal on 16 points with BMW colleagues Augusto Farfus and Jorg Muller after the opening two rounds of the 2007 series held in Curitiba, Brazil.

The Guernseyman claimed a brace of second place finishes having qualified third quickest on Saturday.

Muller turned his pole into a win in the first race of the season.

After the rolling start, Priaulx promoted himself above Farfus and the top three remained the same.

‘I was chasing Jorg because I always drive as fast as I can,’ said Priaulx.

‘As it turned out, his car was better at the start but mine was stronger over the closing laps.

‘Augusto was difficult to keep behind at the beginning – he is a quick kid.’

Due to the reverse grid system, Priaulx started seventh on the grid in race two, ahead of Muller but behind Farfus.

On his home circuit, the Brazilian made a sensational start and was soon leading the pack while the defending champion and Muller worked their way through the field to complete the second all-BMW podium of the day.

Muller put Priaulx under a fair amount of pressure for second spot but could not pass the Sarnian.

‘It is difficult to go from eighth or seventh to the front of the grid,’ Priaulx said.

‘I had a tough job as I knew Jorg had a really quick car and was right on my rear bumper.

‘Luckily I was able to make it by the Seats with no mishap and then concentrate on keeping him behind.

‘It was a tough last few laps as he never gave up with the pressure, but he was always fair and I was confident he would not do anything that would jeopardise BMW’s important points in the manufacturers’ championship battle.

‘Now it is back to Europe and our first race there in Zandvoort [Sunday 6 May].

‘While we have tested there a lot, most has been on the short circuit and I have only just driven on the full circuit for the first time this year,’ added the champion.