Cumbrian racing driver Frank Bird has pulled out of a deal to race for German team Leipert Motorsport.

It was announced earlier this week that Penrith’s Bird would contest the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup in 2022 with the German team.

But the move is now off after “further discussions with the team, and due consideration of all the factors,” according to Paul Bird Motorsport Ltd.

In a statement, PBM team owner Paul Bird said: “We have decided to pursue other opportunities for this season.

“Things just didn’t fall into place as we’d hoped and expected and despite some assurances, we feel we cannot commit to this project at this time.

“It is vitally important we make the correct decisions at this stage of Frank’s career so we will now consider which options to take this season.”

The move to Leipert had seen Bird due to drive a Lamborghini Hurácan GT3 along with teammates Brendon Leitch from New Zealand and German driver Dennis Fetzer in the Silver Cup class, and with Dutchman Max Weering at the 24 Hours of Spa.

The GT World Challenge is known as the largest GT series in Europe with five-race events across Europe’s most famous circuits.