[More Pictures]

Friday, 15th February 2008

Unbeaten run may come to an end this year, Guernseyman fears, as he reveals he is taking nothing for granted.

by Russell Atkins

TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW IN FULL: CLICK HERE

Andy Priaulx has spoken about the need for the FIA to ensure SEAT does not enjoy an unfair head start in this year's World Touring Car Championship, with its fleet of works Leons all benefiting from turbocharged diesel technology during the 2008 campaign – something the Guernseyman fears may just hand the Spanish manufacturer an unassailable advantage.

Advertisement [Go Advertisement Free]

Priaulx has claimed the WTCC honours every year since the series' inception back in 2005, and the European Touring Car Championship laurels the season before that, setting a new record for consecutive international successes within the sport. Should the regulations not be adapted to halt SEAT's seemingly unstoppable charge, he warns that superb run could come to a shuddering end during the forthcoming campaign.

“There's a lot of great competitiveness now,” the 33-year-old reflected, speaking exclusively to Crash.net Radio. “The championship is very, very tight, and from a driver's point-of-view it's always nice to be in a championship that's growing and getting stronger and stronger.

“There are about 14 drivers who can win races, so the championship is extremely strong. I think BMW has the package, as long as we're playing with a level playing field. I think the reverse grid works and I think the weight handicap system works, but we just need to have stability with the regulations – that's very important for the future of the championship.

“For the last three rounds last year SEAT had a one-and-a-half second advantage. Normally the whole grid is separated by less than a second, so now to be one-and-a-half seconds behind really puts you out of the ballpark.

Related Images

[Top of Article]