Indeed, having been left without a drive when Subaru announced their shock decision to withdraw earlier this month, Atkinson has duly been snapped by Citroen.

However, while he is only pencilled in to compete in the opening round of 2009 in Ireland, Citroen Sport Technologies manager Benoit Nogier is confident the Australian, who finished fifth in the overall standings this year, could become a regular competitor over the season.

“It is our belief that our association with Chris will not stop there. It is no coincidence that we have chosen to employ the word 'Junior' in the team's official name," he added. "It is an M2 team which will predominantly run drivers who are currently learning the sport, and their average age will be 22.

“Our aims are to develop the commercial side which we began in 2008 and also enable our crews to benefit from our expertise. The programme will allow them to gain valuable extra experience which will put them in good stead for the next step of their career.”

Citroen's extended commitment to the WRC will come as a massive relief for organisers, who are facing a severely depleted field in 2009 following the sudden withdrawal of both Subaru and Suzuki.

The first round of the season will take place in Ireland at the end of January.