After a 13-year association with BMW Motorsport as a works driver, Guernsey’s Andy Priaulx will now leave the Munich manufacturer to pastures new, having enjoyed varied successes with the brand.
The 41-year-old, who received the BMW Sports Trophy Honorary Award at the season-ending party in Munich last night (4th December), took three FIA World Touring Car Championship driver titles in succession between 2005 and 2007.
This was during the era when BMW Motorsport was the domninat force in touring car racing with the 3-series in its 320i, 320si and 320TC variants, which were taken out of service in 2013.
Priaulx also took top honours in the Nürburgring 24 Hours as a sportscar rookie in 2005, with his tenure at BMW coming to an end this year, after a demanding schedule.
His return to the British Touring Car Championship this year with Dick Bennetts’ West Surrey Racing saw a return to the sharp end of the series, finishing eighth overall in the drivers’ standings on 247 points. When TouringCars.Net spoke to him at the end of the BTCC season, he was still aiming for a works drive for 2016.
This coupled with racing for Turner Motorsport in the Tudor United Sportscar Series and Marc VDS Racing in the European Le Mans Series, brought to an end a lengthy assocation, which even saw the Guernseyman spend two years in the DTM with Bert Mampaey’s Team RBM.
Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt wished him all the best of luck in the future, as Priaulx’s departure will heavily rule out a return to the BTCC next season on all accounts.
“Thanks to Andy Priaulx for all he has done for the BMW brand,” said Marquardt. “His name and his fantastic successes will always remain a part of BMW’s motorsport history. We at BMW support his decision to leave us after so many successful years.
“We do not want to stand in the way of our drivers should they wish to pursue new challenges. We wish him all the best, and will remain in contact as friends.”
Priaulx has anounced via his social media accounts that he will be revealing his plans for next year in January.