Ekstrom's team-mate Heikkinen leaves team amid RX uncertainty

Heikkinen spent two seasons with Ekstrom's outfit, scoring four podium finishes in total and ending both years seventh in the championship as Ekstrom claimed the 2016 title and finished second this season.

EKS is yet to confirm if it will continue in World RX in 2018, while Heikkinen's future is also unclear after he announced his departure from the team on social media on Wednesday.

"After two brilliant years driving the Audi S1 RX quattro in the FIA World Rallycross Championship, it's time for me to say goodbye to EKS," said Heikkinen.

"I want to thank the whole team and especially Mattias for everything over the last two years.

"We've had a lot of fun and some amazing moments.

"I'm really happy that we both finished on the podium in Germany, in one of my last races with the team.

"I have made a lot of friends in EKS and wish them all the best for the future.

"Now it's onto the next stage. I'm not yet sure what the future will bring, but I will be able to announce more about my future in January."

The former Formula Renault racer began his rallycross career in 2010, initially driving a Saab 93 for rally and rallycross legend Per Eklund's team.

He switched to the OlsbergsMSE squad in 2012 to race in America, where he won the Global Rallycross title in 2013 at the wheel of a Ford Fiesta.

Heikkinen signed for Marklund Motorsport for the first running of the World Rallycross Championship in 2014, won at Mettet in Belgium and finished the season third overall.

He scored another victory at the same venue a year later, but failed to win in his two years as Ekstrom's team-mate.