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WRC drivers: Who's in and who's out?

Dubbed the 'silly season', the transfer window for WRC drivers to join new teams is traditionally short and sweet.

The post-2018 closed season has been one of the most dramatic in years and every team has made at least one change. 

With Rallye Monte-Carlo only 37 days away, and only a few pieces of the driver jigsaw to fall into place, here's a summary of what we know so far.

Citroën Racing
All change at Citroën after a turbulent 2018 during which team leader Kris Meeke was sacked, leaving Craig Breen, Mads Østberg and a part-time Sébastien Loeb to carry the team forward. Breen and Østberg lose their seats, but the big news is the comeback of Sébastien Ogier who leaves M-Sport Ford to hunt for a seventh world title. At the wheel of the French squad's second C3 will be Esapekka Lappi, who has departed Toyota Gazoo Racing after two seasons. 

Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT
The championship's newest squad will defend its manufacturers' title in 2019 with a reinvigorated driver line up. Ott Tänak and Jari-Matti Latvala remain, but the duo will be joined by Meeke who replaces Lappi.

M-Sport Ford World Rally Team 
Malcolm Wilson's team has some big driving boots to fill following Ogier's departure, and there's no firm news on who will be wearing them. Teemu Suninen is the most logical choice. He is under contract and gearing up for big things next year. The second M-Sport seat is the last piece of the 2019 jigsaw. Elfyn Evans is out of contract but looks likely to remain in a Fiesta for a third season. Alternatively, Breen would offer pace and experience. Away from the main squad, Italian privateer Lorenzo Bertelli is expected to tackle several rounds. 

Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team
No surprise that contracted drivers Thierry Neuville and Andreas Mikkelsen will return next year. But the announcement that nine-time world champion Sébastien Loeb will join them for six events raised a few eyebrows. Dani Sordo will remain for a sixth season, sharing the third car. The arrival of Loeb has torpedoed Hayden Paddon's chances of a drive in 2019.

Zdroj: wrc.com