Hirvonen to join Loeb at Citroen

Hirvonen to join Loeb at Citroen

The Citroen Ds3 was driven to victory on many occasions by WRC title winner Sebastien Loeb this year.

However, the likelihood of the French car being at the top of the pile next season has already been greatly enhanced.

Indeed, Mikko Hirvonen, the man pipped to the title by Loeb in the season finale in Cardiff last week, has been announced as the team's new driver.

Hirvonen will join former rival Loeb at Citroen, forming what is sure to be an impenetrable force in WRC.

The surprise announcement means Sebastian Ogier, who drive the Ds3 with varying degrees of success this year, will now be looking for a new team.

However, Citroen believe the decision is a wise one and are looking forward to seeing Loeb and Hirvonen battling for supremacy in the 2012 season.

A Citroen team statement confirmed: "In 2012 and 2013, Sebastien Loeb's and Daniel Elena's team-mates will be Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen.

"Initially contracted until December 2013, Citroen Racing has finally decided to finish their collaboration with Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia at the end of the 2011 season."

Widely accepted to be the best two drivers in WRC, it will be interesting to see who can get the most out of the Citroen Ds3 next year.

Posted by Craig Salter