Citroen Racing has confirmed its departure from the World Rally Championship, citing the exit of six-time champion Sebastien Ogier as the cause for its withdrawal.
Whilst six-time WRC champion Ogier has yet to confirm his 2020 plans, it is understood that he has agreed a deal with Toyota, which is backed up by Citroen's statement.
There had been speculation that Citroen was unlikely to continue in the WRC beyond 2020, however on Wednesday morning the French manufacturer confirmed its exit with immediate effect, blaming it on "the absence of a first-class driver" being available for next season.
With this news, it's expected Ogier will be announced as a Toyota driver alongside Elfyn Evans and Kalle Rovanpera early next week.
Citroen CEO Linda Jackson said: "Our decision to withdraw from WRC programme as early as end of 2019 follows on Sébastien Ogier’s choice to leave Citroën Racing. We obviously have not wished this situation but we could not imagine 2020 season without Sébastien.
"I would like to thank Citroën Racing team for their passion and commitment. A part of Citroën’s DNA is intimately linked with the rally and we are proud to be one the most titled brands in WRC History with 102 victories and 8 manufacturer titles."
Citroen remains committed to supporting its customer teams next year, adding: "Building on the experience and the competencies of PSA Motorsport teams, Citroën customer competition activity will be reinforced in 2020, with a support and an amplified commitment towards C3 R5 customers throughout the world.
"This decision enables Citroën to reinforce the focus of its marketing means on its brand strategy, to address the current stakes regarding energy transition with the launch of a new generation of electrified models from 2020."
Citroen's parent company, PSA, recently announced its decision to compete in the World Endurance Championship from 2021.
Ogier joined Citroen for 2019 on a two-year deal alongside Esapekka Lappi, with the latter's future now uncertain.
Citroen finished third in the Manufacturers' Championship in 2019, behind Hyundai and Toyota, taking victories courtesy of Ogier in Monte Carlo, Mexico and Turkey.
