Andy Priaulx proved he had lost none of his magic touch round the streets of Macau with a lights to flag victory there at the end of the FIA World Tour Car Cup race weekend. It was in the 11-lap third race that the triple world champion was really able to prove he had mastered his front wheel drive Lynk & Co 03 TCR round one of the world’s most challenging race circuits. He took the lead at the very start from second on the grid and never relinquished it, despite pressure from Rob Huff.
“This win was just amazing and even more special being my first victory in the WTCR. From the first time we went on track I knew that I had a car that would let me deliver a good result,” said Andy. Looking back on the race itself he said: “I’m really pleased to get that one out of the way, as it is one of the toughest races anywhere. I got the perfect start, but had Rob behind me all the way, and that guy is pretty special around here. This meant I was working hard the whole race. Thank you to everyone in the Lynk & Co Cyan Racing team who worked so hard to make this possible. I also want to congratulate my teammate Yvan Muller on his two wins. What an amazing weekend for the team.” In qualifying for race one Andy was third and held onto this position for seven of the eight laps, but on the final one dropped to sixth to help Thed Bjork, who is still in contention for the championship title. Andy’s comment after that race on Saturday and before Sunday’s win was: “I am really happy to help the team. Personally my results are getting better and better. I still think there is another level to go, so I’m very positive.” In race two on Sunday morning he finished seventh, but it was then from second on the grid in the weekend’s third and final race that the winner of three world championships showed his mastery. The Macau weekend holds special memories for Andy as his win there in 2005 was the start of his world touring car championship hat trick. It was also while he was there 16 years ago that his daughter Danniella was born. It was, therefore, fitting on her sixteenth birthday that he should dedicate this win to her. If you believe in numbers and their significance then this was his 11th visit to the track and in car number 111 he scored his third win there on an 11-lap race. Andy certainly had his lucky Buddha there with him this weekend.