ANDY PRIAULX said yesterday that his supporters had helped him to a third consecutive World Touring Car Championship title. The biggest welcoming party yet – some 150 people – greeted the Guernsey driver when he walked into the airport arrivals hall.

‘The last few races have been among the hardest of my career and I’m really grateful to have had the support of so many people,’ he said.

‘I’ve drawn so much energy from it and I needed that energy because so many people in the WTCC wanted to see this come to an end.

‘I’m so chuffed – I just didn’t expect to see so many people here.’

He was grateful to all the Guernsey people who had travelled to Macau for the title showdown and said that at one stage, the pool at the Mandarin Hotel had resembled a fine day at Cobo.

Wife Jo said the welcome at the airport was unbelievable.

‘It’s overwhelming,’ she said. ‘We always know that the family will be here, but the people have come out in droves.’

Priaulx’s children – Seb, 6, and Danniella, 4, – were ushered into the secure area at airport arrivals to meet their father before the crowd. Grandmother Lorna Le Tocq, who accompanied them, said she was grateful to the airport authorities for allowing the privilege.

One of the Guernsey driver’s spare cars, in full livery, was shipped to Guernsey on Monday and parked in the arrivals hall, where it will stay for two weeks.

Airport director Colin Le Ray said the turnout had been one of the biggest he could recall.

‘There are very few occasions when we see such a huge welcoming party and the fact that so many turned up today is a good reflection of Andy’s achievement in winning the world title again,’ he said. ‘It’s also a reflection of the genuine affection that so many Guernsey people have for Andy and Jo.’

Chief Minister Mike Torode and Culture and Leisure minister Peter Sirett were among the first to congratulate Priaulx on his latest success.

Former Bailiff Sir de Vic Carey did the same. He said he had nothing but admiration for the racing driver’s achievements.

‘When I first met him he was struggling in a very competitive field and now he has been at the very top for three, or maybe four, years,’ he said.

‘His skill and determination is humbling and he never forgets his roots. He always puts a good word in for Guernsey.’

Priaulx said he had always had self-belief but added that it would be dangerous to get too confident.

He will be in Guernsey for only two days as he has a BMW commitment in Valencia, Spain, at the weekend.