It's Official - Citroen quits World Rally Championship with immediate effect

It was confirmed on Wednesday (20/11/19), that Citroen has quits World Rally Championship with immediate effect, with the brand blaming the exit on Sebastien Ogier as the cause for its withdrawal, as he agreed a deal to race with Toyota next season.



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.

However, they will remains committed to supporting its customer teams next year, will continue to support the R5 variant of the Citroën C3 WRC in the championship's support categories.

Citroen won one hundred and two WRC rounds, won eight WRC Manufacturer titles since 1999 and winning nine WRC Drivers' titles with Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena.



My opinion I think it's a sad decision from Citroen that they are leaving the WRC. The excuse was cheap to blame it on Sebastien Ogier leaving for Toyota. I do believe that Citroen reason is (they properly won't say) is focus more on their budget onto the Formula E program and some of their budget is possibly removed from Citroen's parent company, PSA, to focus on their return to the World Endurance Championship from 2021 with Peugeot meaning they have to focus on one rather than the other.



I do hope that Citroen does return to the WRC one day, I believe Citroen is a great brand for the WRC. At least Toyota, M-Sport (Ford) and Hyundai are going no where from the WRC at least for another year.