French car manufacturer Citroen announced Thursday that it will not take part in the 2016 World Rally Championship (WRC) as it prepares a new car for the 2017 season, also confirming that nine-time champion Sebastien Loeb has switched to the Peugeot stable for the ­Dakar Rally.

"In order to dedicate as many resources as possible to development of the new car, the Citroen Racing team will be putting its participation in the WRC on hold next season," the manufacturers said in a statement, adding that they will continue in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC).

Linda Jackson, chief executive officer of the Citroen Brand, said, "In 2017, the appearance of a new generation of cars, which are purported to be very attractive, will coincide with our renewed involvement."

The cars to be used from the 2017 season are wider, more powerful and more impressive, with imposing aerodynamic features, replacing the current generation of World Rally Cars introduced in 2011.

"We have never hidden our interest in the 2017 WRC regulations and the entire team is extremely motivated by this new challenge," said Citroen team principal Yves Matton.

Citroen added that Loeb, a nine-time World Rally Champion with Citroen and also one of the most versatile ­drivers ever seen in the history of ­motor sport, has chosen to take on the Dakar Rally alongside his ­long-time co-pilot Daniel Elena as part of the Peugeot Sport team.

"This marks the end of one chapter for me, but what I want to focus on today is my satisfaction at having participated in Citroen's success in the WRC and WTCC," said Loeb.