Yvan Muller will look to wrap up his first World Touring Car Championship title this weekend as the 2008 campaign draws to a close at Macau.

The Frenchman heads into the weekend with a 14 point lead over SEAT team-mate Gabriele Tarquini but will be well aware that a repeat of the engine problem he suffered in 2007 could hand the Italian the chance he needs to steal the crown.

Heading to the Chinese enclave, Muller likened the situation to his battles in the British Touring Car Championship with the likes of Jason Plato and James Thompson but said there would be no room for any mistakes on the streets of Macau.

“The truth is this situation isn't new for me,” he said. “Years ago, when I was racing at the British touring car championship, I had to race against my team mates Plato and Thompson.

“The big difference is that this time I'll be competing for the world title on the demanding Macau urban track where it's easy to make mistakes. No doubt the battle will be hard-fought.”

SEAT Sport director Jaime Puig added that the two drivers would be free to fight for the title during the two Macau races, although he admitted that the team would also be working to try and ensure a 1-2-3 in the drivers' standings with both Rickard Rydell and Jordi Gene still in contention to overhaul Chevrolet's Rob Huff.

“We've achieved both of our objectives, since SEAT is the world manufacturers' champion and one of our drivers will be world champion,” he said. “For this reason, Muller and Tarquini are absolutely free to compete in Macau as they see fit, but with the highest level of sportsmanship, which we at SEAT always ask of our drivers.

“I'm sure it'll be a magnificent race and the rest of the team will be collaborating so that either Rydell or Gené make it to third place in the world championship.”