Andy Priaulx insists that he hasn't given up hope of once again defending his World Touring Car Championship crown despite being on the back foot heading into the final European race of the year at Monza.

The BMW Team UK driver endured a tough time at Imola last time out and managed to score just two points from the two races thanks to a seventh place in race two – having earlier finished eleventh in race one.

It means Priaulx lies 25 points behind points leader Yvan Muller with just 60 available from the remaining three race weekends but he said he wasn't giving up hope of retaining the crown until it was mathematically impossible for him to catch the drivers ahead.

“I like Monza as it is a great track with lots of history,” he said. “I also gave the BMW 320si WTCC its first win there.

“I know the weekend is not going to be easy for any of us, but that doesn't mean I won't be driving as hard as I can. I shall never give up on this championship until I know without any doubt I cannot win it.”