» WTCC: Priaulx heads to Le Mans racing

Three-time World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx is following BMW’s official ‘works’ departure from the WTCC and will move with the marque into the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, where he will drive a BMW M3 GT2 for BMW Team Schnitzer.

The carmaker announced a withdrawal of its factory outfit from the WTCC ahead of the 2011 season, effectively leaving Priaulx and team-mate Augusto Farfus without a role in the championship.

“I am really looking forward to this year [in the ILMC] as we are competing in some great races on three continents. I had my first taste of Le Mans last year (pictured) and can’t wait to get back there,” Priaulx is quoted as saying.

Priaulx also confirmed that he will be performing other tests with BMW during 2011, including tests on its DTM model as it gears up for a long-awaited return to the championship. This will no doubt spark rumours that Priaulx will, in turn, move to the DTM championship for 2012.

“The programme is very varied and, with testing duties for BMW with cars from other racing categories, I know I shall be just as busy if not busier than before,” he added.

[Original image via AUTOSPORT]