Citroen confirms Ogier switch for 2019

Sebastien Ogier will join forces with Citroen Total Abu Dhabi WRT from 2019 in the World Rally Championship.

The five-time WRC champion, who is currently fighting for a sixth straight title this year for M-Sport Ford, will switch from the British team to Citroen next year along with regular co-driver Julien Ingrassia.

Ogier made his WRC debut with Citroen in 2008, including maiden podiums and wins, before his move to Volkswagen in 2012 which set-up his four consecutive titles (2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016) before the German brand’s withdrawal from WRC.

Ogier will leave M-Sport Ford after two seasons, having clinched his sixth WRC title last year, for a ‘new challenge’ with Citroen in his pursuit of becoming the first driver to claim world championships with three different manufacturers.

“I'm really enthusiastic about the prospect of taking on this new challenge with Citroen,” Ogier said. “In fact, I can't wait, especially as I haven't forgotten that this is the team that first gave me the opportunity to compete in the world championship.

“There were various factors that influenced my decision. I really like the idea of working again with people with whom things went pretty well a few years back and I'm also excited by the chance to try and pull off the challenge of becoming world champion with a third different manufacturer.

“Although I'm not taking anything for granted, I am convinced that the car has definite potential and I have great faith in the people at Satory.”

Citroen’s team principal Pierre Budar is naturally delighted to secure the five-time WRC champion as a timely boost for the French manufacturer’s efforts.

“This excellent news is first and foremost about people embarking on a journey, a human adventure, united by the desire to write a new chapter together in our history,” Budar said. “I'm obviously delighted to welcome Sebastien and Julien back into the fold. The fact they are joining us is an incredible boost for the whole team.

“Everyone is going to be even more motivated than ever. We're already pulling out all the stops to make sure our second stint working together adds to our great history in the sport and showcases the Citroën brand. We feel good.”

Ogier will continue to fight for the 2018 WRC title over the final three rounds with M-Sport. The French driver sits third in the drivers' world championship, 23 points off leader Thierry Neuville for Hyundai.