Andy Priaulx wins WTCC title…again!

Andy Priaulx retained the 2006 FIA World Touring Car Championship title in a tight, nail-biting finale to the series round the tortuous street circuit of Macau in mainland China. The BMW Team UK driver won race one and came fifth in race two to emerge ahead of the other eight title aspirants, beating fellow BMW 320si driver, Joerg Muller, by just one point.

It was only as he crossed the finish line for the second race that he knew the title was his, making it a historical three-in-a-row for the Guernsey driver who won the European title in 2004 and the World title in 2005. BMW Motorsport, for whom Andy is a works driver, also retained its manufacturers' world title with the BMW 320si WTCC which was brand new for this season.

To make it the perfect end to a special year, Andy was honoured with the Gregor Grant Award at the Autosport Awards and as one of Top Gear’s ‘Men of the Year’ 2006. Both magazines recognised how hard it is to win consecutive World championship titles and were not alone in endorsing the credentials of the BMW driver. BMW Motorsport Director, Mario Theissen, described Andy Priaulx as: "The Schuey of touring car racing.”