Mikko Hirvonen set to retire from World Rally Championship

The 34-year-old has decided to end his 13-year rally career to spend more time with his family, although he has not ruled out a return to motorsport.

Hirvonen has finished runner-up four times in the drivers' standings - he lost by a solitary point to Sebastien Loeb in 2009 - and secured 15 rally wins since starting out in 2002.

He said: "I have so many incredible memories from the last 13 seasons.

"I have had the chance to achieve my childhood dreams. I have travelled all around the world, met some fantastic people and have loved every rally and every fight that I have had with some exceptional drivers.

"I won some and I lost some but, for sure, I will look back on these moments to the end of my days with a great big smile on my face."

Hirvonen has spent the majority of his career with the M-Sport team and was influential in Ford winning successive manufacturers' titles in 2006 and 2007.

He added: "Like anyone who loves motorsport, I'm not only a fan of rallying.

"I have always liked to keep an eye on other forms of racing. But if I get the opportunity to take on a new challenge in the near future, it will above all be for enjoyment."