Andy Priaulx is congratulated on his race victory at Oschersleben in Germany by Seat driver and championship leader Gabriele Tarquini. (Picture by FIA WTCC, 0837596)

ANDY PRIAULX’S chances of a fourth world title remain very slim despite a brilliant showing in Oschersleben.

He jumped three spots to fourth in the drivers’ standings on the back of his first and second place finishes in Germany, but he still finds himself 25 points adrift of leader Gabriele Tarquini with just six races remaining.

‘Yes, there is a mathematical chance of winning the championship, but I think it’s unlikely, very unlikely.

‘I thought a win might never happen again,’ said the relieved Guernseyman who, along with the rest of the WTCC entourage, still have to go to Imola, Okayama and Macau.

‘I’m very happy to be back winning again. Turn one here is carnage so you have to pick your way through and hope you come out the other side.

‘To be honest I was surprised because in qualifying Gabriele’s [Tarquini] pace was sensational. The pace appears to drop off in the Seats so it was nice to reel them in.’

It’s quite possible Priaulx would have won both races, but for team instructions not to challenge leader and fellow BMW driver Augusto Farfus, in the second race.

Farfus is only two points adrift of Tarquini in the championship and has a far more realistic chance of bringing BMW glory than the Sarnian this year.