Muller withdraws from Audi squad

He made the announcement having just scored his first BTCC win for Vauxhall on Sunday, saying his decision has been prompted by lack of time and personal factors.
'I like to give 100%,' said Muller. 'At the moment I am just too busy to do that and there is also a personal problem which is affecting me mentally and physically. I prefer to withdraw than to do the job badly.'
The split is an amicable one and Muller says there was no pressure from Vauxhall. He did admit that his punishing schedule of ice racing in winter and touring cars in summer is a factor. 'Maybe three programmes in a year is too much,' he said.

The Joest team's Audi Le Mans line-up has been completed by Belgian sportscar ace Didier Theys, who moves over from the Audi Sport UK squad. In turn his place is taken by German Super Touring Championship leader Christian Abt.

Audi sports boss Wolfgang Ullrich said, 'We needed a quick decision and someone with knowledge of the car. Christian has been involved in a lot of the development testing.'