Ogier signs with M-Sport for 2017 WRC season

Ogier, 32, was left looking for a new drive in the WRC after Volkswagen decided to end its successful rallying programme at the end of 2016.

The Frenchman had won four titles in a row with the German manufacturer between 2013 and 2016.

Following Volkswagen's exit, Ogier tested with both M-Sport and newcomers Toyota, and was also linked with a return to his previous employers Citroen.

“There will be a lot of new things this season, but I am definitely looking forward to it,” said Ogier of his decision to join M-Sport.

“We have a new generation of world rally cars, and a new team – it’s certainly an exciting time,

“There’s not long before we line-up at the start of Rallye Monte-Carlo and we’ve not had a lot of seat time with the Ford Fiesta WRC, but we’ll give it our best to be ready. We’re aware of the challenges, and I can see how hungry Malcolm Wilson and his team are for success.

“It’s funny to think that just a few months ago I was sitting at a motorsport forum at Wales Rally GB saying how nice it would be to work with him one day. I had no idea at the time that it would come quite so soon, but here we are!

“I’m looking forward to working with M-Sport, and we’ll certainly be aiming to return them to the top-step of the podium!”

Confirmed alongside Ogier in M-Sport's 2017 line-up is Estonian Ott Tanak, who raced for Wilson's team in the past and has impressed in 2016 while driving for DMACK.

Ogier will continue working alongside long-time co-driver Julien Ingrassia, while Tanak will now be partnered by Martin Jarveoja, who previously worked with another Estonian Karl Kruuda in various WRC sub-categories.

M-Sport's 2016 driver pairing - Mads Ostberg and Eric Camilli - have yet to announce their plans for next year.

Said team boss Wilson: "We go to Rallye Monte-Carlo with the number one on the door of the Ford Fiesta WRC and the strongest driver line-up we have had in years.

"To say we’re excited about next season is an understatement. We believe that we have produced an exceptional car, and we are in the best possible position ahead of this exciting new era.

“I’ve made no secret of how much we wanted to work with Sebastien and Julien, and it is fantastic to welcome them to the team. We have worked extremely hard to secure them, and they believe that the Ford Fiesta WRC is the car with which they can best defend their championship.

“With Ott and Martin lining up alongside them, we are in for one hell of a season. Ott has had a very impressive year with consistent speed. He’s played a major role in the development of the new car, and I’m sure that the elusive first victory isn’t too far away!"