Three-time winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours, Allan McNish, has announced his retirement.

The 43-year-old Scot has been a stalwart of Audi’s prototype sportscar campaign over recent decades.

Two of his three Le Mans trophies, three American Le Mans Series titles and the 2013 World Endurance Championship crown have all come with the German marque.

McNish’s career also included two seasons in Formula 1; the first as a race driver for the then new Toyota outfit in 2002, and the second in a test role with Renault the following year.

McNish says he wants to look towards other opportunities, including those in management and television.

“I’ve had fantastically successful time with Audi and feel it’s the right time to step back from Le Mans sports-prototype racing and to look at other opportunities,” he said.

“As a racing driver it’s important to stop at the right time when I’m still fast and capable of doing the job and the timing feels right after winning Le Mans for a third time this year and claiming the world title.

“This year especially was mega successful, teaming up with Loïc (Duval) for the first time and obviously with long-time co-driver Tom (Kristensen).

“We’ve ticked all of the boxes and I ticked my personal ones too but now the time is right to hand over to the young guys.

“My fellow Scot and mentor Jackie Stewart knew when to get into things but also knew when to get out and he has taught me that lesson.”

McNish’s exit follows the retirement of another Audi stalwart, Dindo Capello, midway through last year’s WEC campaign.