Priaulx: BTCC return gaining "real momentum"

Priaulx returned the series in 2015 after 13 years of absence, putting his BMW on pole position for the season opener at Brands Hatch and narrowly missing out on victory in the second race at the Kent circuit.

Two tough weekends followed before the Guernseyman returned to the podium in the opening race at Oulton Park, the next round at Croft providing the backdrop for the first win of his comeback.

Having since racked up five consecutive top-five finishes, including back-to-back podiums last weekend at Snetterton, Priaulx feels he has now settled back into the cut-and-thrust of touring car racing.

“My season has gained some real momentum," said the West Surrey Racing driver.

"The pace in these last few races has been really strong. I’m starting to feel I know what it takes, which I’m very pleased about.

"It’s only my first season back in the BTCC, but I think we’re now putting together more of a championship challenge."

Priaulx is seventh in the standings with four rounds to go, 62 points down on points leader Jason Plato, a position he says he is happy with considering his misfortune earlier in the season.

"I’ve been unlucky; I’ve had a few mechanicals, I’ve been turned around a little bit, and when I was the new boy, I had a couple of DNFs." Priaulx admitted.

"Where I am in the championship, after all that, I can be very happy with."