The Golf GTI TCR is set to become Volkswagen Motorsport’s main programme, as the German brand is set to pull the plug on its World Rally Championship campaign after four years, reports Autosport.

Volkswagen has reportedly informed staff that it will retain its 200 employees, with a plan for them to focus on the development of the Golf GTI TCR car for customer racing, as well as on other motorsport programmes in the group, which are likely to include junior rallying formula and rallycross.

Volkswagen have not yet made an official comment about the end of their WRC commitment.

The announcement comes in the wake of sister marque Audi’s withdrawal from the World Endurance Championship, with it confirming its two factory racing programmes will be Formula E and the DTM, as well as a new customer racing activity in TCR with the Audi RS 3 LMS.