ANDY PRIAULX feels that his BMW 320si will put more pressure on the dominant Seat Turbo Diesels this year.

The Sarnian won the FIA World Touring Car Championship in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

However, he could not make it four in a row last year as he had to concede to the all conquering Seat Leon TDIs, which powered Yvan Muller to the title and saw Seat pick up the manufacturer’s championship as well.

But ahead of this weekend’s season opener in Curitiba, Brazil, Priaulx is quite upbeat after seeing Seat’s wings clipped.

‘Seat have had their engine performance slightly reduced by the FIA, which will make things more even,’ he said.

‘I think we’ve got more of a chance this year. I’m very optimistic that we’re going to be more competitive this year than last.’

Another factor that could play into Priaulx’s hands is that the success-ballast system has been overhauled.

• Sunday’s action is being shown live on Eurosport and Eurosport 2, from 12.30 GMT.