ANDY PRIAULX drove brilliantly but just failed to return to the podium in Valencia yesterday.

Despite carrying maximum ballast, it was a decent weekend for the Guernseyman on the rival SEAT’s home track in Spain.

He finished fifth in the opening race and fourth in the second, narrowly failing to overhaul Gabriele Tarquini with whom he enjoyed a race-long battle and even passed at one stage.

The battle between Tarquini and Priaulx was touring car racing at its best.

As the laps unfolded Priaulx’s determination grew and he was pressuring Tarquini all the way.

On lap eight of the 13 it looked as though the Guernseyman had done enough to stand on the podium as he edged his way past the SEAT.

However, a few seconds later Tarquini used his straight-line speed to claim back the place at the end of the straight.

Two lots of solid points were enough to lift him from joint sixth in the drivers’ championship at the start of the day, up to fourth.