The curtain came down on Yvan Muller’s illustrious World Touring Car Championship career in Qatar on Friday, as the Frenchman and four-time champion took part in his last race weekend at the top level of touring car racing.
Muller had announced before the event that he was to retire at the end of the season, and so the races in Losail marked his last in the championship.
With Citroën also pulling out of the championship after the event, emotions were running high in the paddock.
Muller, who is by far the most successful driver in the history of the championship, was noticeably emotional after the Main Race, which was his 250th and final race.
“There are lots of feelings swimming around in my head, particularly after Pechito [López]’s words and the team’s celebrations,” said Muller. “It wasn’t an easy decision to take and this is an emotional moment for me.
“All good things must come to an end and I am happy to be retiring now, with these opponents around me. We have had some tough scraps at times, but there has always been respect between us, and that’s why I love this sport. My overwhelming feeling is one of joy.
“I have no regrets about my decision. This is my last press conference and I am pleased about it.
“I’ve got lots of things to do, what with my team, developing young drivers, and my family. I will have plenty to keep me busy!
“[With] the time I was spending as a driver I will be spending with my family and to see my children grow up.
“The last third of the time I will spend on something else and I will come back with a different hat but I won’t say what.”
Muller’s WTCC career in numbers
48 wins
128 podiums
38 Fastest Laps
29 Pole Positions
11 seasons
250 races
4 championship titles
2,923 points