Finnish rally star Mikko Hirvonen announced on Thursday that he will quit the sport at the end of the season following the Wales Rally GB between November 14 and 16.
The 34-year-old began his rally career in 2002 with Citroen before further spells at Ford, Subaru and Skoda before the 2014 season when he returned to Ford.
He has taken part in 192 races, winning 15 and finshing on the podium 68 times over his 13 seasons in the business.
He is currently fourth in the championship standings 134pts behind French leder Sebastien Ogier.
"I have so many incredible memories from the last thirteen seasons," Hirvonen said on his website.
"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."
Alongside his long-time co-driver Jarmo Lehtinen, Hirvonen finished world championship runner-up on four occasions (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012) each time behind Frenchman Sebastien Loeb, as well as two third-place finishes in 2006 and 2007.
"They were the greatest battles and the ones I loved the most," he said on his rivalry with Loeb.
"Whether they were won or lost, it was fantastic! Seb was a rival and teammate for whom I had and still have a lot of respect, and I think the feeling was mutual.
"I have enjoyed absolutely every minute of it and although I still love driving now, I would also like to concentrate more on other important things which are part of my life, like my children and my family.
"There are many areas that I have not yet explored and I’d like to give myself the chance to try new experiences." he added.
Source: AFP