Sebastien Loeb has confirmed he only decided to remain in the World Rally Championship 48 hours ago, after an unusually long period of consideration from the seven-time champion.
Loeb decided he would accept Citroen's offer of a two-year contract, which is a firm deal for next season with an option to remain in the DS3 WRC for 2013. Loeb, 37, admitted he is unlikely to still be rallying in 2014.
At a champagne reception with the team in Trier on Wednesday ahead of Rally Germany, Loeb said: "I told the team this decision had taken me a long time. I couldn't rush the decision, but I am very happy to stay and happy to be staying with Citroen, where I have been for 10 years.
"I cannot see my future for more than two years. Now I have a possibility to stop after next year in the contract we've done with Citroen. I never know. Maybe next year I will not enjoy it as much as now and I prefer to have the possibility to stop when I want. I don't imagine I will drive in 2014 in the rallies."
Loeb has spent his entire professional driving career with Citroen, winning 66 rounds of the World Championship in his 10 years. Notably, confirmation of Loeb's deal came from Automobiles Citroen rather than Citroen Sport, underlining his importance to the brand.