Andy Priaulx “99%” pleased with qualifying effort

Triple world touring car champion Andy Priaulx was pleased to be back in frontrunning contention in World Touring Car Cup qualifying at Macau, where he proved countryman Rob Huff’s stiffest rival in the battle over pole position.

Priaulx has endured a lacklustre season in WTCR so far, languishing down in 20th place in the drivers’ standings without a single podium to his name.

The Lynk & Co driver has enjoyed an upturn in form in recent weeks, however, taking fifth in qualifying last time out at Suzuka after topping Q1 and Q2, and has continued his resurgence in Macau.

Priaulx proved a serious threat to Macau specialist Huff in Friday qualifying, matching his fellow Brit through most of the lap in the decisive Q3 runs but ultimately falling 0.206s short.

“I had a really good lap,” Priaulx said after the session. “99% was where I needed it, but I lost the rear going into Dona Maria and that was enough to put me on the backfoot. Mandarin [the ultra-fast kink on Macau’s main straight], there was nothing left there, I pushed it to the limit. I don’t think there is much more I could have done.

“I had a really nice balance; the track came to me during the whole session. At the start it was really tricky. Then as the grip improved and my balance came into the window it was much better, so I was really happy. I’m pleased to be on the front row and hopefully I can have a good race tomorrow.”

Priaulx qualified third on the grid for Saturday’s Race 1 and will line up P3/P8/P2 in this weekend’s three races.