Citroen confirms Sainz.

Citroen Sport has today confirmed that Carlos Sainz will race for the outfit during the 2003 FIA World Rally Championship.

In a brief release the French manufacturer added that the team would enter three Xsara WRC's for the entire season next year, Sainz, joining former Ford team-mate, Colin McRae and Rallye Deutschland winner Sebastien Loeb.

Sainz's split with his long time co-driver, Luis Moya was also announced with news that Marc Marti, is his new co-driver. Marti drove with Citroen during 2002, working alongside Jesus Puras.

Team boss Guy Frequelin told ITV teletext: "We were already talking to Carlos this summer but we preferred Colin McRae because he's younger.

"When Ford didn't re-sign its drivers we got in touch with Carlos again and it all came together quite quickly.

"It's very important for us to have Carlos in the squad. We have got Sebastien Loeb, who is a big hope but lacks experience and we have got Colin McRae, who is very quick.

"I think that Carlos is just as quick as McRae. He is going to help us enormously, thanks to his experience and also with his signing we have got three very important markets covered: France, Great Britain and Spain."

Sainz, who won the WRC Drivers' title with Toyota in 1990 and 1992, is believed to have secured the drive following news that Telefonica Movistar has become an official partner of the Citroen-Total team alongside Michelin, and also Magneti-Marelli, OZ, AIS and Citroen Finance.

Colin McRae's co-pilot for next year was also revealed, the Scot is going to continue working with Derek Ringer, following his decision to split with Nicky Grist, prior to the final two rounds in 2002.