Andy Priaulx, left, jostles for position with Rob Huff yesterday morning in Macau. (Picture by FIA WTCC, 0672168)

ANDY PRIAULX was on the podium in his BMW Team UK car for both FIA World Touring Car Championship races at the final event of the season in Macau, but had officially to hand over his crown.

It is Seat’s Yvan Muller who is the new champion, while Priaulx has the consolation of being the best BMW 320si driver in the series and fourth overall.

Priaulx was gracious in defeat and complimented the two drivers who had arrived in Macau with a chance of the crown, Muller and his Seat teammate, Gabriele Tarquini.

‘It is an honour to give the championship to a quality driver and both Yvan and Gabriele are such drivers,’ said the Sarnian. ‘Gabriele gave me his title in 2004 and I now hand it to Yvan. The most important thing is to win the championship and that is what everybody is aiming for, but I am proud to be the best BMW driver again.

‘We have now all got to fight for the title next year. All these guys here are capable of winning it and it is going to be another tough season.’