'Next stop the world,' says ambitious Andy

ANDY PRIAULX will become world champion if he retains his FIA Touring Cars title in 2005. The new world championship is officially launched in Monte Carlo on Friday and the Guernseyman, voted Autosport's British international competition racing driver of the year on Sunday night, can't wait to take up the challenge.

'More and more manufacturers are committed to the series. Big name drivers are coming in, including James Thompson. It's good racing and he's going to love it,' said Priaulx who admitted to be shocked to win the Autosport award.

'I really didn't expect it.

'To be honest, I looked at the other names on the list and after thinking about it decided just to come along and enjoy the evening. I'm honoured to get this recognition, which takes me a step closer to the level I want to be at.'

The Guernseyman has set his sights on the inaugural World TCC title.

'I want to be world champion next year, but it's going to be even harder than this year.

'It's going to be a really big challenge with more manufacturers and even more top-line drivers coming in, but that has to be the aim,' he said.

BMW will have Chevrolet to contend with in 2005 as well as the likes of Alfa Romeo, Seat and the new Ford Focus team.

Chevrolet Europe has already announced that one of their two drivers will be Nicola Larini, the Italian with 49 Formula One Grands Prix to his name.

The series will again be centred around Europe, with additional dates taking in South America, Turkey and Macau.

In addition to his touring car commitments, Priaulx will also have his first test in a contemporary Formula 1 car for the BMW Williams team next month as part of his new deal with BMW Motorsport.

Although not in contention for a race drive with the team, Priaulx is looking forward to the experience.

'Williams is taking the test very seriously. Just to get the chance to drive a modern Formula 1 car is fantastic.'

He aims to impress and says it is his best chance of fulfilling a dream and winning an F1 drive.

'The only thing that will make a difference is going very quick in the car.'

Priaulx enters 2005 with a new works driver contract with BMW, which was offered by BMW's Motorsport director Dr Mario Theissen on stage at the BMW awards night in Austria at the weekend.

Priaulx said that the contract announcement was no major surprise.

'We've been in negotiations for three months. But it's nice to get the deal done.'

He admitted that at present he is unsure how the new contract will affect his prospects, other than ensuring he gets to race in more events.

'The only thing I can be guaranteed is that I will be doing other things for them outside touring cars, like GT, Sports Car, Le Mans.'