Rally world champion Sebastian Loeb intends to scale back his involvement in the world rally championship next year and is leaving open his options for 2014.

The eight-times champion will take part in selected races in 2013 in what amounts to a partial retirement, Citroen Racing said at the Paris motor show on Thursday.

The 38-year-old Frenchman’s plans for 2014 remain open.

One possibility is a drive for Citroen in the touring cars championship.

Finnish duo Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen will form the main Citroen Racing works teams for next season.

Loeb will be partnered by Daniel Elena for his races, which will include the Monte Carlo Rally, which opens the 2013 season between January 15 and 20.

The seven-time world championship-winning team, now in a new partnership with Abu Dhabi, will enter three Citroen DS3 WRCs in 2013.