Muller: Consistency key to title defence

Yvan Muller admits that consistency will be key if he is to successfully defend the World Touring Car Championship title during the 2009 season.

The Frenchman secured his first WTCC crown last year after a season where he only failed to score on two occasions, lifting the title despite only winning three races over the course of the 24 race season.

Heading into 2009, Muller will be faced with the challenge of new regulations imposed on the diesel cars over the winter in an attempt to reduce the benefit it enjoyed at times in 2008 and he admitted that consistency and strong work between the five works drivers would be key if he hopes to defend his crown.

"My hope for the 2009 season is to do my best again, just like last year," he said. "The keys to winning the title will be consistency and good team-work."

Muller clinched the crown last year ahead of team-mate Gabriele Tarquini and the Italian said he would be happy if he could repeat his performance from 2008, even with the restrictions in place.

"I'll be very satisfied if I can repeat the fantastic 2008 season for the SEAT Sport team," he said, "although it's clear this is going to be a difficult year because our rivals are a lot stronger."