Official: Citroen C4 to replace Xsara in 2006.

Citroen has confirmed that the new C4 WRC will replace the Xsara WRC in the FIA World Rally Championship from 2006 onwards.

The successor to the Xsara, made its first rollout earlier this month on the track situated alongside the Versailles-Satory workshops.

Now in the development phase, the C4 should make its race debut at the end of next season, according to the French manufacturer, before replacing the Xsara full-time from 2006.

The C4 concept car made its world premiere back in March, at the 74th International Motorshow in Geneva.

"Automobiles Citro?n was giving out a clear message then," so the team statement read, "concerning its intention to continue its involvement at the highest level of world motorsport. Through its elegant and dynamic lines, the C4 Citro?n Sport gave a seductive picture of what life could hold after the Xsara WRC."

Citroen currently lead both the 2004 manufacturers' championship, and the drivers' championship, with Sebastien Loeb. They won the manufacturers' championship in 2003 - in their first full season - and have thus far taken 14 victories with the Xsara.