Citroen ‘temporarily’ ends Abu Dhabi Racing partnership

Citroen has confirmed a ‘temporary conclusion’ to its partnership with Abu Dhabi Racing in 2019 as it prepares for the brand’s 100^th anniversary with a special livery.

The French manufacturer goes into 2019 with an all-new driver line-up of reigning WRC champion Sebastien Ogier alongside Finn Esapekka Lappi having said goodbye to Hyundai-bound Sebastien Ogier plus Craig Breen and Mads Ostberg at the end of this season.

Citroen has announced a special 100^th anniversary livery will be run in 2019, which will be revealed next month at the Autosport International Show, in preparation for the season-opening Rallye Monte-Carlo across the final weekend in January.

As a result the team will conclude its Abu Dhabi Racing partnership with Sheikh Khalid al Qassimi but calls it a “temporary” end for 2019. The partnership produced nine WRC event wins with the final one coming at this season’s penultimate round RACC Rally Catalunya de Espana with Loeb.

“The new look will also celebrate the brand’s 100th anniversary. The end of 2018 marks a temporary conclusion for the working relationship between Citroën Racing and Abu Dhabi Racing,” a Citroen released confirmed.

“The countdown to the new season will by then be very much underway, and it won't be long before fans see the French team’s two WRCs – on which further upgrades will be introduced during the off-season.”

Having sacked Kris Meeke midway through the season, Citroen ended the campaign fourth and last in the WRC manufacturers’ standings having gained just one win and four additional rostrums across the year.