Citroen  is leaving the world rally championship with immediate effect after six- times world champion Sebastien Ogier announced his departure from the team

Citroen Racing says the decision was forced due to the absence of a first-class driver available for 2020 but commercial factors were also a major consideration.

Ogier is expected to be announced as a Toyota driver next week.

Estonian Ott Tanak won the driver's title with his Toyota in Spain last month, ending Ogier's six-year reign, but announced four days later that he was joining Hyundai for 2020.

MOTORSPORT WITH CRC FIVE FIVE SIX. THE PROFESSIONALS' CHOICE FOR SIXTY YEARS.