Reigning World Rally Champion Sébastien Ogier has confirmed he will leave M-Sport Ford at the end of the current season to rejoin the squad with which he began his WRC career, Citroën.
The announcement comes as no surprise with Ogier hinting at a move to the French manufacturer, following comments that any new deal would likely be his last in the WRC before retirement.
However the announcement doesn't mention the length of his agreement with Citroën.
Ogier, who is the second most successful WRC driver in history, said a key factor behind his switch was the desire to win the championship with a third team, something only Juha Kankkunen has achieved.
"There were various factors that influenced my decision. I really like the idea of working again with people with whom things went pretty well a few years back and I’m also excited by the chance to try and pull off the challenge of becoming world champion with a third different manufacturer," explained Ogier.
"And although I'm not taking anything for granted, I am convinced the car has definite potential and I have great faith in the people at Satory.
"I'm really enthusiastic about the prospect of taking on this new challenge with Citroën. In fact, I can't wait, especially as I haven’t forgotten that this is the team that first gave me the opportunity to compete in the world championship."
Ogier won the junior world title with Citroën in 2008 before making his first appearance at the top level later that season. He drove for Citroën’s second-string in 2009 and 2010, claiming his first WRC win in Portugal. He was promoted to the top team in the second half of 2010 but left after the 2011 season to join Volkswagen, where he won four consecutive titles. He then joined M-Sport Ford in 2017 after VW stepped back from the WRC
"When we decided to join M-Sport two years ago, many considered it a risk. I considered it a challenge, and together we achieved something extraordinary," he added.
"Malcolm [Wilson] and his team have such a passion for rallying, and I would like to thank each and every one of them for what has been an incredible two years together.
"It’s now time for another new challenge, but first we will focus on bringing this special partnership to a close in the best possible way. The championship is still extremely close and we’ll keep fighting to keep our chances alive and keep pushing until the very end."
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