The award is the fourth for Priaulx from the British Racing Drivers' Club

Guernsey's Andy Priaulx has become the first touring car driver ever to win the annual British Racing Drivers' Club Gold Star.

He beat off stiff opposition from Formula One driver Mark Webber to win the prestigious 2010 award.

The Gold Star is given to the driver who has scored the most points from 1 November to 31 October.

Three-time world champion Priaulx said he was "absolutely delighted" and "receiving this award is just amazing".

Priaulx scored in 18 races in the period including the FIA World Touring Car Championship, the Sebring 12 Hours and the Armor All Gold Coast 600.

He said: "I was up against some pretty tough opposition and to come out on top was just fantastic. It has been a full on year for me, which is not over yet as I still have the WTCC finale in Macau."

Priaulx is currently 37 points behind Muller in the WTCC drivers' table

Priaulx is still in with a chance to win the 2010 World Touring Car drivers' championship.

He is currently lying in second, 37 points behind Yvan Muller, with two races due to be held on 21 November.

He said: "Receiving this has given me even more impetuous for the races in China where I am still fighting for the championship.

"I feel very honoured to add this to the other awards I have already received over the years by the BRDC."

In 2007 Priaulx was awarded a gold medal for winning his third consecutive FIA World Touring Car Championship, which followed special awards in 2005 and 2006 for his victories in that championship.

The Gold Star dates back to 1929 and is presented annually to the winner of the Gold Star Points Table, based on results in international races.

Priaulx will be presented with his Gold Star at a ceremony in London on 6 December.

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