Priaulx aims to keep Button firmly down

ANDY PRIAULX is vying with Formula One superstar Jenson Button among others to be named British competition driver of the year at the Autosport Awards next weekend. The European Touring Car champion has made it onto the nine-strong list for the second year running and is one of the top four contenders for the prize. He faces stiff competition in the form of last year's winner, Button, who came third in the F1 drivers' championship, as well as Indycar star Dan Wheldon and DTM title challenger Gary Paffett. Other famous drivers nominated are Johnny Herbert and Dario Franchitti.

'Jenson Button is probably favourite but he is also up for international racing driver of the year and that might affect the voting,' said Edd Straw, the Autosport national editor.

'If someone is up for two awards, people will often vote for him in just one category.

'Andy Priaulx has excelled this year. He is one of only two nominees for this award to have won a championship. He has got every chance.'

The car that Priaulx drove to the ETCC title - the BMW 320i - is up for the racing car of the year award. That category also includes Michael Schumacher's Ferrari F2004.

The world-renowned awards ceremony is being held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Hyde Park, on Sunday 5 December.

Priaulx has been the recipient of an Autosport Award before. In 1999 he was named British club driver of the year when he swept the board in the Renault Spider series.