WRC great Loeb seals Hyundai switch

Nine-time World Rally Championship champion Sebastien Loeb has completed a switch to Hyundai, the team have announced.

It was reported earlier this week that the Citroen star would sign a two-year deal with Hyundai and the move was confirmed on Thursday as he takes his place in the 2019 driver line-up.

Hyundai will continue to pair Loeb with his long-time co-driver Daniel Elena and they will compete in six rounds of the championship next year in an i20 Coupe WRC.

Loeb won the WRC in nine consecutive years from 2004 to 2012, but he has raced in only eight rounds since. The Frenchman's last appearance, at October's Rally de Espana, saw him register his 79th win.

"Winning at Rally de Espana re-ignited my desire to continue competing at the very front of WRC," said Loeb.

Breaking news: @DaniSordo / @CarlosdelBarrio and @SebastienLoeb / @DanosElena announced as part of our 2019 #WRC line-up. Read all about it https://t.co/WQHRsSaHKN #HMSGOfficial pic.twitter.com/kRZF3ZrXDm

— Hyundai Motorsport (@HMSGOfficial) December 13, 2018

"Joining Hyundai will give us a fresh challenge and one that I can't wait to tackle. I have been impressed with the team's approach and their determination to succeed."

Hyundai have also secured Dani Sordo to a one-year extension and he is in line for an eight-rally campaign alongside Carlos del Barrio.