World Rally Championship legend Sebastien Ogier has hit out at his rally team after they announced their withdrawal from the sport this week.
Citroen confirmed on Wednesday that they would be scrapping their factory WRC programme with immediate effect, blaming Ogier's yet-to-be announced move to Toyota for the 2020 season.
In a statement, Citroen CEO Linda Jackson said: "We could not imagine the 2020 season without Sébastien," before adding the reason for their withdrawal was "the absence of a first-class driver" being available to replace the Frenchman.
Speaking to Autosport, Ogier criticised that comment, calling it "disrespectful", and explained the reasons for his departure.
"When they say there are no other drivers available, in this moment, I feel this is disrespectful for my colleagues in the sport," said the six-time rally champion.
"One of the main things which drove this decision was the rhythm of development on the car and the speed the car was progressing, which was not enough," he explained.
"Already this year, we could agree there wasn't enough development coming and we were down in performance against our competitors and it's not just me saying that – it's anybody who drove this car, I think, is feeling the same way."
It's expected Ogier, who finished third this season behind champion Ott Tanak and runner-up Thierry Neuville, will be announced as a Toyota driver alongside Elfyn Evans and Kalle Rovanpera early next week.
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