BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen, said, "To drive a Formula One car is every racing driver's dream. We are delighted to be able to fulfil that dream for Andy. His successes in formula racing go back a few years now, but his hard work and his success in the European Touring Car Championship have won our confidence. Our recognition goes beyond granting him the Formula One test as BMW have also confirmed a BMW works driver contract for Andy for the new 2005 World Touring Car Championship."

For his part, Priaulx commented, "It was a great Christmas present for me on December 4th when I was given this opportunity. I almost had to fight back the tears during the party. Since then I've been putting in a lot more physical training than before, especially for my neck muscles, but I don't have any illusions - like every Formula One novice g forces in the car will be a challenge. I can't wait for the test and it is the best way to celebrate being contracted as a BMW works driver."

BMW WilliamsF1 Team Principal Frank Williams said, "It is great to see some home grown success, and I have followed Andy's touring car progress since his debut in the 2002 British Touring Car Championship. I hope he finds the experience a positive and enjoyable one."

Priaulx was born on 8th August, 1974 on the Channel Island of Guernsey. He began his racing career in karting at the age of eleven, before enjoying success in competitive motocross. His interests moved on to hillclimbing, often competing in Formula One cars. At 21, he claimed the British Hillclimb Championship title in commanding fashion. By 1998, he had won the British Renault Spider Championship with 13 wins and 13 poles - an achievement unmatched to this day. Priaulx continued his career in Formula 3, before making the switch to touring cars in 2001. In 2003 and 2004, he drove the BMW 320i in the ETCC for BMW Team Great Britain under the direction of Bart Mampaey. In his debut year he remained in contention for the title until the final race. In his second season, he took the European title with five race wins. In 2005, he will be back with BMW Team Great Britain in a BMW 320i, this time battling for the World Championship title. Priaulx, who is married to Joanne and has two children, also oversees the Education and Coaching Programme for young racing talents in Britain as Chief Instructor for the Formula BMW UK Championship.

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