Priaulx could benefit from new restrictions on the Seat Turbo Diesel (Getty)

Guernsey's Andy Priaulx has received a boost in his bid to retain his world touring car title from the sport's governing body.

The Touring Car Bureau said it would limit the engine speed of the dominant Seat Turbo Diesel cars to 4,100 rpm.

Seats are in the top four places in the standings with Priaulx lying in fifth place in his BMW.

It is claimed the Seat cars are exploiting a loophole in the rules which allows them to go faster.

Last month Priaulx said he felt he had no chance of taking a third straight world title because of the dominant Seat cars.

Their turbo diesel cars can be up to a second a lap quicker than any other car on the circuit.