Yvan Muller has paid tribute to the entire SEAT Sport team following his title win in the World Touring Car Championship on the streets of Macau.

The Frenchman went into the final weekend of the season with a comfortable lead over team-mate Gabriele Tarquini in the standings and duly wrapped up the crown with a podium in the opening race.

It capped a fine season for the former BTCC champion who only failed to score in two races all year – favouring a consistent approach to carry him to the crown.

However, he admitted that his success had been due in large parts to the team behind him, with SEAT also lifting the manufacturers' crown for the first time.

“I wasn't alone on the podium in Macau,” he said. “All the members of the team were there and that made me feel good. Car racing is a team sport, not individual, and SEAT Sport did a magnificent job.

"We all knew that the team's main objective was the manufacturers' title. We decided to work together like true team mates to get it. Even the day before the race, I was sharing information with Gabriele Tarquini, who was competing against me for the title. This is fantastic and it gives an idea of how we did things. We've worked together – drivers, mechanics and engineers, and we've made progress with the information gathered from all the cars available for everyone.

"Team spirit has been the key to our success and I'd like to thank everyone on the team for their generosity.”

However, Muller admitted that his title win had yet to sink in having gone one better than in 2007 when he finished second to Andy Priaulx.

“I'm happy about winning the title, but it hasn't sunk in yet and I think it'll take some time,” he said. “The tension has been brutal throughout the entire season, especially during the last two weeks. I think it'll take a few days before I can start enjoying myself again.”