Yvan Muller pursuing various options for 2014

Three-time World Touring Car champion Yvan Muller is looking at a variety of options for next season, including the new manufacturer opportunities in the WTCC as well as further afield such as Rallycross.

The 43-year-old driver is a safe bet for this year’s title with a commanding lead in the RML-run Chevrolet Cruze 1.6T after seven of 12 rounds, and the possibility of him returning to a works programme next year was boosted with Citroën confirming they have last year’s Chevrolet trio on their shortlist.

“Like everyone I’m talking with Citroën, but I’ve talked with Citroën for two years. Now with Loeb coming into the WTCC I’m a bit of a part of this as I gave him the opportunity to drive my car and test my car and see how it is,” said Muller to TouringCarTimes.

This year’s deal with RML and LUKOIL came together at a late stage, with the team confirming it was competing just three weeks’ ahead of the season opener. Although the season has been strong, Muller knows that a late deal can’t happen again next season if a works deal is on the cards.

“If it’s a late deal and my season is like this year I’d be pleased,” joked Muller, “but no, for next year I want a works drive that’s for sure, but a works drive needs to be decided soon as then there will be not enough time to design and build the car.”

Muller doesn’t count a Citroën programme alongside countryman Sébastien Loeb as his only option for 2014 however.

“There is Honda as well, and there is another constructor as well still on the list…or another championship; I’m thinking GT or Rallycross, with my experience of ice racing and touring cars it could be something fun.”