Sainz, Moya split over Citroen money.

Carlos Sainz and his long time co-driver Luis Moya look set to split after 15 years working together according to reports by Spanish newspaper Marca.

Moya told the paper that as talks continue between Sainz and Citroen, he has been left high and dry after the French team offered him an unreasonably low wage.

"If the new agreement with Citroen goes ahead, they have said that our salaries will have to be reduced," revealed Moya. "In my case, we have not arrived at an agreement. I am 42-years-old and have two children, if I was 30, I would surely accept, but this sport has become an activity of high risk, where each two rallies someone finishes in the hospital and for myself, their offer doesn't take this into account.

"They offered me the same amount for all of 2003 that they paid Marc Giraudet, the co-pilot of [Thomas] Radstrom, last year and he only did seven events. Therefore I have been forced into this position."

Moya added that Sainz is not to blame for the split. "Carlos is not responsible for this situation. He is as sad as I am about it. He wants to run at any price, because it is a project and a car with possibilities for the future, but for me that is not adequate compensation."

And what of the future for Moya? Will he return with another driver? Another team?

"No, I have received no other offers," continued Luis. "There is no point - this is the end. I am very sad, because after 15 years, I had always dreamed of me retiring next to Carlos, but this is not to be. It hurts me that this has happened and I can only add I hope people don't think it is all about money...

"I was never among the best paid, but neither was I among the worse. Overall, apart from what has happened now, I have no complaints, because I have done what I enjoyed. The most important thing is that I intend to look after my family and ensure that my children can go to university."

Yesterday meanwhile Sainz tested the Citroen Xsara World Rally car, in southern France with Marc Marti. Marti read pacenotes for Sainz on the Rally Catalunya earlier this year when Moya was injured in a testing accident. Marti was also co-driver for Jesus Puras when the Spaniard drove for Citroen in 2001 and now looks set to partner Sainz next year.

Should Sainz sign for Citroen, Moya will join two other high profile co-drivers on the sidelines in 2003, namely Nicky Grist, Colin McRae's ex-pilot and Risto Mannisenmaki, who worked with Tommi Makinen, prior to their crash on the Tour de Corse in 2001.