The World Rally Championship received a second shot in the arm when Citroen confirmed it would remain in the series, shortly after Ford had announced a new WRC deal for 2010 and 2011.
Citroen matched Ford's commitment, confirming that it will remain in the championship for the next two seasons. But while Ford also announced that it will retain Finns Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala, Citroen team principal Olivier Quesnel could only confirm talks with current drivers Sebastien Loeb and Dani Sordo, further fuelling rumours of the Frenchman's potential switch for Formula 1 next season.
"In the current tricky financial climate, it is important to keep on expressing ourselves through motorsport and through the victories of our teams and cars," said Quesnel. "The WRC, where the costs remain contained, is an excellent promotional vehicle. Citroen Racing is delighted by the trust that has been placed in us by Citroen's board of directors and the PSA Group.
"We are currently working with our existing driver line-up to renew their contracts. I am confident that Sebastien Loeb and Dani Sordo will be continuing their adventure with Citroen Racing into the future."
Loeb's contract with Citroen is up at the end of this year, but the five-time champion has indicated that he is keen to remain with the team with which he has driven for his entire professional career.