One the most successful and popular drivers on the international motorsports scene, Dindo Capello (left), announced Monday that he is retiring from the Audi Sport prototype team. He leaves as he drove, with style and impeccable timing.

Capello, 48, is a three-time winner at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He co-drove to victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring earlier this year with racing legend Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish. They followed that with a second place finish at Le Mans.

McNish and Capello currently lead the 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship standings.

A smooth and sophisticated Italian, Capello found a perfect home at Audi where he has been a key part of Audi Sport since 1994. He now owns Audi dealerships in Italy.

His time in the American Le Mans Series left Capello with a pair of ALMS championships, many friends in America, and a rather humorous take on Americana.

Following a Michelin appearance at the SEMA show in Las Vegas a few years ago, Capello was asked if he would like a tour of the show. He surprised his hosts with his answer, “Yes, thank you. I would like to see the ‘General Lee’. There is one for sale at home, but I think he wants too much money.”

As he made his way around the massive show floor, Capello suddenly stopped and did a knowing walk-around of a 1952 Chevrolet pickup truck. “I have one these at home,” he smiled. “Brad (Kettler) helped me find the parts and I had it put together at home.”

He will continue to remain associated with Audi and a GT3 drive in an Audi R8 LMS ultra could be a next step.