Long-time BMW works driver Augusto Farfus has elected to leave DTM to focus on GT racing.
Farfus has run in DTM for BMW since it returned to the series in 2012; he has scored four wins, started from the pole in six races, and made the podium in thirteen races. In 2013 he was runner-up in the drivers’ championship to Audi’s Mike Rockenfeller.
Farfus has been a frequent competitor in GT racing for BMW; now his role will expand. He will drive an M8 GTE for BMW Team MTEK in the World Endurance Championship, and will contest a number of endurance races in the M6 GT3, among them the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring and the FIA GT World Cup in Macau. He will represent BMW in this year’s Macau race on November 18.
Farfus said, “The decision to turn my back on the DTM was obviously not one that I took lightly. It is arguably the best touring car series in the world and I have always felt very comfortable in the DTM family and BMW teams. I have learned a lot, been able to demonstrate my speed, and even challenged for the title. It has been an amazing time. However, anyone who knows me also knows how much I love GT racing. I felt that it was time to embark on a new chapter. I am very grateful to BMW for accepting my decision and giving me the opportunity to continue to drive BMW race cars at the very highest level. I am really looking forward to 2019.”