In his first exclusive column for Crash.net, World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx looks back over the opening weekend of the season at Monza and his work in the Formula BMW paddock back in the UK…
What a start to the season, it couldn’t have been better or worse. A win from pole then a write off! Luckily both of us – me and the car – are resilient and will hopefully bounce back and be back on the pace in Magny Cours.
First of all let me go back to that big accident. I was doing 140mph when I hit the barrier. That was a big hit and although the car was finished, I just ended up with a stiff neck. To be honest, I think it may have been because my HANS device was a little too loose that that happened. However, these are great devices and thanks to that and the strength of the BMW 320si, I am fit and well and raring to go.
I remember as a child that if I broke a toy I preferred to have a new one rather than it being mended. This is the same with my car. I am sorry for the RBM boys that they have so much work to get me a new shell, but am delighted to have a new one and there will be no worries about hidden problems that only become obvious in races.
![Priaulx, Muller and Thompson on the race one podium [Pic credit: FIA WTCC]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/205448.jpg)
