Augusto Farfus will shift his focus to international GT racing next year, with BMW announcing that the Brazilian has elected to no longer take part in DTM.

The German manufacturer confirmed Thursday that Farfus is set for the remainder of the 2018/19 FIA World Endurance Championship season and will also race in “as many” prestigious GT events around the world, including the Nürburgring 24 and Macau.

Farfus is competing in this weekend’s FIA GT World Cup, skipping his third WEC race of the season due to clashing events.

He missed both the season-opening Six Hours of Spa and Six Hours of Fuji due to DTM races on the same weekend, although is now confirmed in Team MTEK’s BMW M8 GTE for the final three races of the season.

“The decision to turn my back on the DTM was obviously not one that I took lightly,” said Farfus.

“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.”

Farfus contested 104 DTM races, claiming four wins, six poles and 13 podium appearances.

“We obviously respect Augusto’s decision not to continue to race in the DTM, however, he remains a valuable member of the BMW family,” said BMW Motorsport director Jens Marquardt.

“Together we have decided to integrate him even more intensely in our GT program next year, as well as in the WEC ‘Super Season’.

“Augusto is one of the world’s very best GT racing drivers. We would like to continue our success story together, which began back in 2007, in 2019 and beyond.”