Priaulx retains Touring Car title

It was the third time this season Priaulx had started from pole

Britain's Andy Priaulx retained his World Touring Car Championship with a win and a fifth place finish in the last two races of the season in Macau.

He beat his BMW team-mate Jorg Muller into second place in the standings by just one point, despite the German winning the final race of the season.

Going into the last round, Augusto Farfus led the championship with nine drivers in contention for the title.

But a fifth place and failure to finish saw him end the season in third place.

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Priaulx and Muller's success ensured BMW won the manufacturer's title, and afterwards, the Channel Islander said he felt drained by the drama and tension of his victory.

"I am nearly numb with emotion," said Priaulx.

"The pressure was massive on me coming here, with the second race the hardest I have ever had, and I didn't know if I had won until I crossed the line.

"It has been a vintage year. This championship is world class and I'm very glad to be in it and able to drive to win."

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2006 championship final standings:

1 A Priaulx (GB) 73 pts
2 J Muller (Ger) 72
3 A Farfus Jr (Brz) 64
4 Y Muller (Fr) 62
5 G Tarquini (Ita) 57
6 D Muller (Ger) 54
7 R Rydell (Swe) 54
8 J Thompson (GB) 54
9 P Terting (Ger) 49
10 J Gene (Spn) 36

2006 manufacturer championship 2006 standings:
1 BMW 254 pts
2 SEAT 235
3 Alfa Romeo 154
4 Chevrolet 128