James Nash will no longer race in the World Touring Car Championship in 2014, moving instead to the Blancpain Endurance Series with the Belgian Audi Club Team WRT.
The 28-year-old Brit has competed in the WTCC for the past two seasons with Team Aon and bamboo-engineering, scoring two victories during the 2013 season. However with bamboo pulling out of the series for 2014 due to budgetary issues, Nash has elected to take a break from touring car racing and shift focus to GT racing.
“Touring cars have been good to me, but this is a change of direction,” said Nash. “With no manufacturer option available, there was no point in continuing on that route.”
Nash, who impressed on his way to third overall in the 2013 WTCC, says that he is not against returning to touring cars in the future.
“I’m not closing the door on touring cars, but I’d only go back if there was a chance to work with a manufacturer.”
WRT Team Boss Vincent Vosse believes that Nash’s experience in the WTCC will lead to him being a strong driver in sportscar racing.
“I have no doubt that someone who has put a car on pole in the WTCC will be quick,” admitted Vosse. “I think James is going to be good.”
Nash had previously hinted at a switch to GT racing with a series of teaser videos on his Twitter timeline.
The news means that Nash will not be able to defend his Yokohama Independents Trophy in 2014.