The championship shoot out ahead of us must be one of the closest in any series. I would like to know the last time nine drivers had a realistic chance of winning the title going into the final race weekend of the season. With a total of 59 points I am just a point behind series leader, Augusto Farfus, and on the same as Jörg Müller, although he has one less win. I also have a slight weight advantage over the two of them as in Macau my ballast will be 45 kilos while Augusto will carry 80 kilos and Jörg 75 kilos. The fact that, despite carrying 60 kilos last year, I still claimed pole and finished second in both races does also give me some confidence, as does the fact that this year in the WTCC I am the only driver to have won a race carrying 65 kilos.
While extra weight always hurts, in Macau, history has proved the track itself and its unique characteristics can be just as damaging to championship aspirations. It is one of the narrowest tracks in the world and accidents there can involve many cars. Luck has to be on your side here as if there is a crash ahead the track can so easily be blocked. The best place to start the race from is pole and the best way to keep out of trouble is by staying in front. Overtaking here is very difficult with Lisboa the only place this can be done when fighting for position.
While the pressure is on, I am really looking forward to getting to Macau. It is a great circuit and I know I am not alone in having it as one of my all time favourites. Once I get there the Sunday before the event I shall start my familiarisation. I walk the track as well as driving it and for this I usually hire a MINI Moke. The barriers are so close and an open car helps to remind me about this. My first trip here was in 2000 in a Formula Three and I shall never forget my first impressions – this was going to be the ultimate challenge. Little did I realise how much of a challenge it would prove to be and how important it would be in my career.
![Andy Priaulx - BMW Team UK BMW 320si [Pic credit: FIA WTCC]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/273582.jpg)
