Sainz back-tracks on retirement talk.

Citroen's Carlos Sainz has admitted that talk of retiring at the end of 2004 was premature at best.

Sainz revealed last month that next year would be his last in the WRC after crashing out on the first day of the Rally GB.

His exit ended his challenge for the title, leaving Sebastien Loeb and Petter Solberg to fight it out for the big prize, the Norwegian eventually delivering the goods.

Citroen boss, Guy Frequelin warned at the time that the Spaniards decision might change, after the feeling of disappointment had worn off.

Speaking to the official World Rally Championship website - www.wrc.com, the 41-year old, who won the title in 1990 and 1992, has now confirmed this.

He said: "I was frustrated after GB. It's true that I announced I would retire after 2004 but I'm not a politician so I'm not obliged to fulfil all my promises."

Sainz added: "I am very proud and honoured to have competed in the championship showdown for Citroen and it's now not certain that I will retire at the end of 2004.

"I asked myself if I was still quick enough, if there is a place for me in the WRC.

"The results are always there. I believe I am still competitive, it's still my passion. I am going to stop, sure, but perhaps not at the end of 2004. We will see what happens with my motivation and my results."

Sainz has won 25 world rallies, a record matched only by Colin McRae.

His last win came in Turkey back in March.

He finished the 2003 WRC third overall in the drivers' standings, 9 points behind winner Petter Solberg, and eight behind team-mate Sebastien Loeb.