 The drivers' championship was decided after the FIA found the use of sequential gearboxes by BMW Team RBM at the Race of Japan to be illegal and both of their drivers, Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus were stripped of all points earned at the event.This meant Yvan Muller of the factory Chevrolet team secured the world drivers' championship title.Outgoing champion Gabriele Tarquini was still defending second in the championship ahead of Priaulx and Huff.