Paul di Resta has admitted that he will drive with the championship on his mind in Sunday's DTM title decider in China.
The Scot goes into the race three points behind championship leader Bruno Spengler. However, di Resta's chances were given a serious boost on Saturday when he qualified on pole while Spengler could only manage 17th on the grid.
"The main thing for me this weekend has been to stay near the front and not take too many risks," said di Resta. "Hopefully, we can keep it like that for the race. We need to score points, but I also need to think about the championship.
"I'm in the best position to boost my championship chances, but we've seen here how easily it can all change. I've just got to focus on my race. You never know what can happen, so we'll just have to wait and see who is celebrating on Sunday night."
While di Resta says he will be mindful of the points situation in the race, his teammate and fellow title contender Paffett has to win to have any hope of taking a second DTM crown. Paffett said: "I have to win the race tomorrow and that's what I'm going to be trying to do. As long as we're still racing I've always got a chance for the championship.
"I'm disappointed not to be on pole – we had a vibration in Q3 so I had to come in early, but I didn't feel that close to the limit in qualifying so we clearly have a quick enough car."