The French manufacturer first announced it was evaluating a potential programme last September, after Sébastien Loeb announced his retirement from full-time competition in the WRC at the end of 2012.

“Citroën Racing has spent the last few months looking in detail at the opportunity of going ahead with this programme,” revealed Frédéric Banzet, CEO of Citroën.

“The WTCC is based on several aspects that are essential to Citroën: extensive media coverage, regulations that keep costs down and a genuinely global race calendar. Our involvement in this championship will give us not only another chance to showcase our Créative Technologie but it will also help us to develop the Brand in promising, growth markets such as China, Russia and South America. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our longstanding partner, Total, who will remain at our side for this new adventure.”

The opening up of new regulations in the WTCC for 2014 is a catalyst for Citroën’s entry, who will join existing manufacturers Lada and Honda on the grid from next season.

“Competing in a category for the first time, starting from scratch, gives our division a superb challenge,” confirmed Yves Matton, Citroën Racing Team Principal.

“Having said that, we will be able to re-use a large part of our existing expertise, starting with the DS3 WRC’s 1.6-litre direct injection turbo engine. Work has already begun in our Versailles technical centre and is set to be stepped up in the coming weeks, with the first tests of our car and the start of our development programme to prepare for the 2014 season. Obviously, we’re still committed to rallying and we’ll continue to work hard to try and get the best possible result in 2013. Our partnership with Abu Dhabi is set to be reinforced, enabling us to continue to be involved in WRC with a new system and with new objectives.”

The manufacturer will retain Sébastien Loeb at the team after the Frenchman has already participated in a number of circuit based events alongside his WRC commitments.

“First of all, I am pleased that this has been confirmed,” said Loeb.

“It’s a bit of a dream to think that we are going to write a new chapter in our history. I can’t wait to get out on track in the car and start testing. I have used this transitional year to try out various experiences and to improve my track driving skills. I don’t expect to win straight away, but I am determined to get there one day