The Citroën World Rally Championship Team has sidelined Kris Meeke for Rally Poland after a "series of disappointing results" in recent events, and will instead run Andreas Mikkelsen.
Although Meeke won in Mexico, he failed to finish any of the four following events; the Briton rolled out of the lead in Italy this weekend, retired at the previous round in Portugal after swiping a rock and destroyed his C3 after two big rolls in Argentina.
Mikkelsen meanwhile finished eighth in Sardegna on his WRC return, and will take up Meeke's seat after the 37-year-old agreed to sit it out.
"After a series of disappointing results, we have asked Kris Meeke to take a step back for this next rally," explained Yves Matton, Citroën Racing Team Principal.
"Kris accepted that this would be in the best interests of the team and we'd like to thank him for his understanding. This break will give him the chance to recharge his batteries and release some of the pressure before preparing for Rally Finland. He won in Finland last year after producing a perfect performance, so we hope he'll come back stronger.
"At the same time, this change in line-up means we can keep working with Andreas. This first experience was more like a test session than a proper competitive outing. A second rally will give him the chance to use the things he has already learned to get closer to the leading guys. Moreover, he is particularly fond of Rally Poland since he won the event last year."
In order to prepare for round eight of the WRC, the team will spend four days testing in Poland. Andreas Mikkelsen, Craig Breen and Stéphane Lefebvre will take turns behind the wheel of the C3 WRC. Meanwhile, Kris Meeke and Paul Nagle will take part in recce for Rally Poland.
