Hirvonen replaces Ogier at Citroen WRC squad

Citroen have confirmed that Sebastien Ogier has left their works World Rally team after only one season.

The Frenchman joined for 2011 after competing for Citroen's junior effort with great success. However he has endured a fraught relationship with countryman Sebastien Loeb, the pair's troubled alliance seen as the reason for the younger man's departure

Ogier will be replaced by Ford's Mikko Hirvonen, the man who beat him to runner-up spot in this year's championship. It is now almost certain that the 27-year-old will go the other way, joining Jari-Matti Latvala at the Ford team.

Ogier has spent his entire WRC career aboard Citroens, making his debut in an Equipe de France-entered C2 at 2008's Rally Sweden. He took his maiden win at Rally Portugal two years later before adding a second in Japan for the senior Citroen squad. 2011 saw him capture five wins on his way to third in the standings.

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James Weeks