Last week’s season review in Munich saw Andy Priaulx bid an emotional farewell to the factory team that has been his home for the past 13 years.
Priaulx’s departure from BMW comes ahead of an expected move to Ford for the 2016 FIA WEC as part of their GTE Pro team with the new Ford GT.
Priaulx was presented with an honorary award by BMW and took the opportunity to bid farewell to many of those who have accompanied him over his BMW career.
Between 2005 and 2007, Priaulx won three titles in a row with BMW Team RBM in the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). In 2005.
He also took a win at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2005 in a BMW M3 GTR (below), part of a stunning total of more than 50 victories in BMW cars.
Andy, how emotional was it, saying farewell to the BMW family after 13 years?
“Very. On that evening it was very tough emotionally to be confronted with all the fantastic memories I have of my time with BMW Motorsport. At the same time, it was also very nice.
“Thanks to BMW, my dream has come true for the last 13 years. Although I am now heading off in search of a new challenge, I will never forget what I have achieved with BMW Motorsport. That evening, I said ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to what has been my family for the past 13 years.”
What are your fondest memories?
“I have had the privilege of driving some of the best racing cars in the world, and have achieved fantastic success with them. I will obviously always have particularly fond memories of my three world titles in the WTCC and victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. I had a great time here.”
Is there anyone in particular that you would like to thank?
“Firstly, I would obviously like to thank BMW Motorsport for making it possible for me to live my dream. Beyond that, I cannot thank all the teams I have driven for enough. Not only were they all extremely professional, but it was also great fun to work with them every single time. At this point, I could list a lot of names of people who have helped me over the years, but I am sure I would still forget many. Because of this, I would just like to give a special mention to the Belgian BMW Team RBM, with whom I raced for a decade. Although we are going out separate ways in 2016, we will always remain friends. I wish BMW Motorsport all the best for the future.”
