Priaulx won the series four times, once before it became a world championship

Three-time world champion Andy Priaulx has announced his retirement from the FIA World Touring Car Championship.

The Guernsey racing driver, who also won one European title during his eight years with BMW, will continue to race with the team.

"I have to reflect on the fabulous time I have had driving the BMW 320 in various guises since 2003, the 37-year-old said.

"It is a car that will always be close to my heart."

He added: "I want to say a big thank you to everyone at BMW Motorsport, BMW UK and RBM in Belgium as without these guys I would never have had the amazing successes."

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Priaulx finished fourth in his final season, after suffering the frustration of having points docked because of a contentious ruling over his car's gearbox.

He said: "I am very excited about the future plans I have as a BMW works driver, some of which have yet to be revealed."

Priaulx will be driving the BMW M3 GT2 in the three 24-hour classics in Le Mans, the Nurburgring and Spa-Francorchamps planned for this car subject to regulation decisions.

He said: "I have yet to announce my full programme, but I know it will be very exciting."

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