Gass has spent the last four years at the helm of Audi's DTM programme, and will replace Ullrich in the top job at the Ingolstadt marque's motorsport division starting from January 1, 2017.

The 53-year-old previously held F1 roles with Toyota and Lotus before he rejoined Audi in 2012, and has since been groomed to be Ullrich's successor.

Following Audi's withdrawal from endurance racing, Gass will be primarily responsible for the manufacturer's factory DTM and Formula E programmes next season.

“The footsteps left by Dr Wolfgang Ullrich are very large,” said Gass. “He was at the helm of Audi Sport for 23 years and is credited with exceptional achievements during this long period of time.

"In addition to the global development of partnering teams and countless championships in super touring car racing, the 13 victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and numerous DTM titles stand out as lasting milestones."

Ullrich himself will remain with Audi for one final year as an advisor, the 66-year-old Austrian having been head of Audi Sport since November 1993.

“I very much enjoyed my 23 years at the helm of Audi Sport," said Ullrich. "We celebrated major successes and I had the opportunity of working together with many great people whom I’d like to sincerely thank. The same applies to our teams and partners.

"The Management Board had faith in us even during difficult stages, and I believe we justified this trust over and over by claiming great victories and championship titles.”