Citroen has announced that Esapekka Lappi will join reigning champion Sebastien Ogier in its 2019 driver line-up.
Lappi, 27, has competed for Toyota since mid-2017 and took victory at last year’s Rally Finland; he currently holds fourth in this season’s championship.
Citroen confirmed recently that it had re-signed Ogier – the Frenchman having driven for the team in the late 2000s and early 2010s – and on Wednesday revealed Lappi as his 2019 team-mate.
“Obviously, I'm delighted to be joining the team and to be the future team-mate of Sébastien,” said Lappi.
“It’s a good opportunity for me to keep developing. After having learned many things from Jari-Matti Latvala last year, and from Ott Tänak this year, I'll have everything it takes to be even better if I also manage to draw inspiration from Seb!
“I'm convinced that the car has a lot of potential, as does the team, which has a long history and lot of experience in the WRC.
“The fact that Pierre [Budar, Citroen team boss] clearly wanted to recruit me also counted a lot when it came to making my decision.
“It's also going to be a great challenge, trying to win together.”
Lappi will be replaced at Toyota by former Citroen driver Kris Meeke.
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