WRC legend Sainz to retire

Sainz, who finished third in the Tour de Corse for Citroen at the weekend, has been considering his future for some time. He actually quit at the end of 2003 after missing out on a third world crown, before reversing his decision and helping Citroen to a second consecutive manufacturers' title this season in France last week.

"I have been thinking about it for a long time," he said. "But now is a good time to go. I wanted to go when I wanted to go and to leave after a good season, like we have had, is something I am happy about.

"After 16 years participating in the World Rally Championship, I believe that the right moment has arrived. It's a change in lifestyle that will let me dedicate my life to my family.

"It has been an extremely difficult decision, mainly because I still very much enjoy every single rally. The fact that I am also in the best team, with the possibility of continuing through into next season, has made this decision even more complicated."

Although the Rally Australia, which takes place in just under a months time, will be his last as a driver, Sainz hasn't ruled out staying on at Citroen in a different role: "The team has shown that it is the best, and I hope that in the future we can continue to have some kind of relationship.

"It has been a great pleasure to work in a such a professional and capable team where the only objective for every engineer and mechanic is victory."

Sainz broke the all-time career win record earlier this year when he scored his 26th career victory, in the Rally Argentina, before hinting that this could be his last year in a sport in which he has competed at the top level since 1987.