Olivier Quesnel, the director of Citroen Sport, has been appointed to a similar position with sister company Peugeot.

Quesnel, who took up his role with Citroen at the start of 2008, will take over the role at Peugeot on 1 January 2009 from Michel Barge, who has now moved on to a new post.

A statement issued by Citroen and Peugeot said that Quesnel would be charged with continuing the success seem in both the WRC and sportscar competition with the two brands, while also working to develop synergy between the two teams and optimise costs.

"I am very proud to have been appointed director of Citroen Sport and Peugeot Sport," Quesnel said. "I know the latter well having started my career with this team. I will do everything in my power to enable Peugeot Sport to surpass the results it has already achieved.

"The potential is definitely there: the 908 HDi FAP is competitive and everyone in the team is extremely committed. I am counting on their continuing motivation and determination to help me rise to this exciting new challenge just as successfully as we have done at Citroen Sport.

"As for Citroen, I am confident that we have the capacity to repeat the exceptional results we obtained in 2008, namely the manufacturers' WRC title for the brand and the drivers' and co-drivers' world crowns for Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Elena for the fifth year running."