In a statement on his social media channels on Wednesday, the Finnish driver said: "After two brilliant years driving the Audi S1 RX quattro in the FIA World Rallycross Championship, it's time for me to say goodbye to EKS.

“I want to thank the whole team and especially Mattias for everything over the last two years. We've had a lot of fun and some amazing moments.

"I'm really happy that we both finished on the podium in Germany, in one of my last races with the team. I have made a lot of friends in EKS and wish them all the best for the future.”

The 2013 GRC champion has given no indication as to whether he will remain in World RX in 2018.

He added: “Now it’s onto the next stage. I'm not yet sure what the future will bring, but I will be able to announce more about my future in January."

The former Formula Renault racer began his rallycross career in 2010, initially driving a Saab 93 for rally and rallycross legend Per Eklund’s team, before switching to the OlsbergsMSE squad in 2012 to race in America, where he won the GRC title in 2013 at the wheel of a Ford Fiesta.

He signed for Marklund Motorsport for the first running of World RX in 2014, won at Mettet in Belgium and finished the season third overall. He scored another victory at the same venue a year later.

Moving to Ekstrom’s squad for 2016, he helped the team win the teams championship title, but only managed to notch up four podium finishes over the two-year period.

EKS has yet to confirm if it will race in World RX next year.