Tambay: It was better to end "loveless" Audi relationship

Tambay scored three podiums during his five seasons with Audi, but having finished 10th overall in 2012 as a rookie, he could not surpass or match that result in the four campaigns that followed.

For 2017, with the series scaling down to six cars per marque, Audi opted not to retain long-time regulars Tambay, Miguel Molina and Timo Scheider, instead handing DTM seats to WEC ace Loic Duval and his fellow sportscar star Rene Rast.

Asked about the end of his Audi tenure, Tambay told Motorsport.com: "As always, when a relationship comes to an end, there is a part of sadness, but also a part of relief.

"I've had great moments in DTM with Audi, and tougher moments too, but in a relationship, when there's a lack of love, it's better to stop. I was not necessarily happy with my position in the team.  

"It's a new beginning in my career, and in my life in general, I take it on a positive note."

Tambay also said he had found DTM a "very tough championship from a political point of view".

He added: "I'm a sportsman at heart, I like competition, and I feel like sport is sometimes secondary in DTM, which is the only reason why I won't regret leaving."

Rebuilding phase

Tambay insisted his priority was now to find an opportunity to enjoy his racing - and named the United States motorsport scene as one he was "particularly" keen on.

"From a personal point of view, I need to enjoy driving again, and several series can bring this pleasure to me, in my eyes," said the 25-year-old.

"I'm particularly attracted to the United States, be it IndyCar or IMSA.  However, I'm aware that we're at a late stage of winter to finalise a programme, but if an opportunity arises, I am ready to seize it, because I like the spirit of racing in North America."

The Frenchman also named several other potential options across the motorsport world.

"I am equally attracted to Australia and its Supercars championship, a series that emphasizes sport, probably differently from Europe," Tambay continued.

"WEC is a good option, too, in LMP2, because I really like team spirit in motorsport, and that's something I'm ready to consider.

"Finally, Formula E is a developing series, with cars which are indeed not as competitive as some single-seater championships, but one that will necessarily keep rising from a global point of view.

"I'm in a rebuilding phase. I'm free from any commitment, and willing to hear about any option from 2017 onwards."