After a season which saw his Honda Civic develop into a race-winning car, Andy Priaulx is now leaving the BTCC to drive a BMW 320i in the European Touring Car Championship. Just before the final race of the season, we asked Andy how he thought his 2002 season had gone.

What were your hopes at the beginning of the season?

We were always looking to win the Championship, but realistically we thought if we could win in the second half of the season, win races. That was our goal and we've achieved it. We'd still like another win but we have won a race this season and had lots of podiums, so realistically I think we've done exceedingly well. I think we were definately the strongest team in the second half of the season, everyone's improved their game but we've impoved more and that's a good sign.

What's changed most over the course of the season - the car itself or you as a driver?

We've just improved the car. I think I proved last year with what I did in the Vauxhall - the first race I was on pole - it wasn't the person or the driver, it was a question of improving the car. We've done that and the results have come.

You're obviously happy with your own performance?

I'm very happy. I've had three poles this year, one race win and three second places so very happy.

This probably doesn't need asking but what's been your favourite moment?

Yup, Knockhill! That was great but maybe we can have another one of those moments this afternoon.

And what's been the most frustrating part of the year?

The first half of the season, really. Knowing the car had the potential to be quick but we had some steering problems that weren't letting us show the car to it's true potential. Also having DNFs when maybe the result would have been a podium, you know we've had lots of podium opportunities and we've had a DNF or whatever.

This year the series had become a lot more popular, has that put any more pressure on you at alI?

I like it but it's difficult. You can see now that you've got four teams that can win and that's great for the Championship. You can see the crowds now back up to what they used to be. The teams and the manufacturers now have the confidence that they can go into someting and it won't go massively out of control. It gives you a chance to settle down, develop the car and make it good. I think they've got it absolutely right with the rules.

If there was one rule you could change, what would it be?

I'd like there to be more aero on the cars to make them faster, but that doesn't make for good racing as you lose grip when you follow other cars. But I would have liked to have driven a Super Touring Car!

Do you prefer touring cars to single seaters?

I prefer the racing in touring cars, the racing's absolutely fantastic. Single seaters are great fun but I've done my bit in single seaters and now I'm looking for a career in touring cars. I'm happy to be where I am - touring cars and maybe do Le Mans.

Do you think Honda can win a championship?

Yes, absolutely I'm convinced we can win a championship.

What about plans for over the winter?

I'm off to Bathurst next week [Andy shared a drive with Yvan Muller but the car did not finish], then to New Zealand to do some racing out there. Hopefully after that I'll have some news on all this.

Are you combining a holiday with that?

Of course, my whole life's a holiday!


Our thanks to Andy for his time, and good luck in ETCC.

Text copyright BTCCinfo.co.uk