Andy Priaulx has been officially titled 2006 FIA World Touring Car Champion, during the traditional FIA prize giving gala last night in Monaco. In the sumptuous setting of the Sporting d’Eté’s Salle des Etoiles, the FIA honoured all its champions. In a progression from Karting Racing to Formula 1, the FIA World Touring Car Championship’s prize giving took place between those of the FIA GT and the World Rally Championship. On the stage, where the BMW Team UK winning car was exhibited, the first three drivers classified – Andy Priaulx, Jörg Müller and Augusto Farfus – received their trophies, while BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen collected the Manufacturers’ champion trophy.

“It’s lovely to be back. To win two in a row is very special but in fact it is three in a row with the 2004 European Touring Car title as well. I’m enjoying this very much. It does get harder because everybody is after you and I think this year is a vintage year with so many drivers up for the title going into the last race,” Priaulx said.