Motorsport: Murphy leaving Paul Morris

Greg Murphy will be leaving Paul Morris Motorsport team at the end of the year. Photo / Supplied

SYDNEY - Four-time Bathurst winner Greg Murphy says he will not take up the second-year option of his contract with V8 Supercar team Paul Morris Motorsport.

The 38-year-old New Zealander has had a disappointing 2010 after confirming the switch to the Holden team at the end of last year, currently sitting 22nd on the championship standings.

With main sponsor Castrol announcing yesterday it wasn't renewing its sponsorship with PMM in 2011, Murphy decided to cut his losses and leave.

"When [team owner] Paul Morris, Castrol and I announced our partnership at the end of last year we all had great expectations, but for whatever reason things just have not worked out as planned," Murphy said.

"It certainly has not been for a lack of effort, and for that I can't thank the PMM team enough."

"I am not retiring, and while my immediate focus is very much on finishing the season strongly and doing the best for Castrol and PMM, I am hopeful that making this announcement will open up other opportunities."

- AAP