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

Sainz revealed last mont𒐪h 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 Sebasti☂en Loeb and Petter Solberg to fight it out for the big prize, the Norwegiaඣn eventually delivering the goods.

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

Speaking to the official World Rally Championship website - , the 41-y💜ear old, who won the title in 1990 and 1992, has no൲w confirmed this.

He said: "I w🅺as 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."

Saiꦛnz 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 if𒉰 I was still quick enough,ღ 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 moti🙈vation and my results."

Sainz has won 25 world rallies, a r🐬ecord 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 winn♏er Petter Solberg, and eight behind team-mate Sebastien Loeb.