Priaulx backs BMW for title shot

Priaulx is confident that BMW will be contending in the 2009 season

Guernsey driver Andy Priaulx believes BMW can still be contenders in the 2009 World Touring Car Championship season despite Seat's domination in 2008.

The former world champion finished in fourth place in last year's championship, with Seat driver Yvan Muller winning the title.

Ahead of the first weekend of racing in Brazil, Priaulx told BBC Guernsey: "I think BMW can be up there this year.

"We're pretty much at the limit with our car, so we'll have to see."

Priaulx says it is difficult to gauge how competitive they are because Seat and Chevrolet have been doing a lot of private testing.

He added: "We haven't been able to match ourselves against them but you can't be too certain about Seat as that's a very new concept, the turbo diesel".

Something new for the 2009 season is a lighter Priaulx - he has been training for the London Marathon and is in better shape for it.

"For some circuits you might be able to move the lead around and that will help balance the car in some corners, so the lighter you are the better it is really," he said.