LONDON -- Former rally world champion Carlos Sainz looks set to follow Briton Colin McRae to Citroen next season after testing with the French team.

The 40-year-old Spaniard tried out the Xsara car in the south of France on Sunday and Monday with compatriot Marc Marti as co-driver in the absence of regular partner Luis Moya.

Sainz, champion in 1990 and 1992 with Toyota, told the French daily L'Equipe on Tuesday that negotiations were coming to a head.

"I hope to announce something soon but for the moment nothing is signed," said Sainz. "Citroen already have two cars committed and want to add a third top driver to the lineup."

Citroen have already signed former champion McRae, Sainz's Ford team mate this season, and Frenchman Sebastien Loeb for their first full year in the championship.