World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx has expressed his disbelief at lifting the laurels for the third consecutive year – and his fourth straight tin-top trophy – after the odds had looked completely stacked against him in the final meeting of the year in Macau.

The Guernseyman was officially crowned the 2007 FIA World Touring Car Champion at the star-studded FIA annual prize-giving gala held in Monaco last night. He succeeded in retaining his title after seeing off the challenge of no fewer than five other drivers in a dramatic season finale – despite only managing to qualify down in twelfth spot on the grid.

“I can't believe I'm here again to be crowned FIA World Touring Car Champion,” the 33-year-old remarked upon receiving his award. “The season was very tough – I knew I needed something special to retain the title and I am proud that I got to the last round with a chance. You need luck to win the championship, but you also need to be there to take that luck.

“In Macau, the pressure was incredibly high over the course of the weekend and I need to thank my team for giving me the motivation. They gave me a quick and reliable car throughout the whole season, and that was a key factor in winning the championship.”

Priaulx's BMW team was also honoured at the prestigious ceremony, picking up the manufacturers' glory at the end of a nail-biting campaign in which every manufacturer involved – BMW, SEAT, Chevrolet and Alfa Romeo – triumphed on at least one occasion.

“It has certainly been the most competitive season so far,” underlined BMW Motorsport Director Dr Mario Theissen. “We were in a difficult situation when we arrived at Macau because we had to be defensive. However, Macau always brings something special and we pushed until the chequered flag. Nobody could have expected what happened, but our drivers took all the chances and it paid off.”

To see a selection of pictures from the FIA's prize gala – CLICK HERE. All pictures courtesy of the FIA.