M-Sport has announced that Bryan Bouffier will pilot a third Ford Fiesta for the opening round of the season in Monte Carlo and round four in Corsica.
Bouffier has plenty of experience driving both events having competed in Rally Monte Carlo no less than eight times, winning in 2011, whilst in 2013 the Frenchman secured victory at the Tour de Corse.
He joins reigning champion Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans in the M-Sport line-up as the nominated third car – of which only the two highest placed cars score manufacturer points.
“It’s great to have Bryan on board for Rallye Monte-Carlo and the Tour de Corse," commented team boss Malcolm Wilson. "When it comes to these events, his experience is unrivalled.
"These are two of the most specialised rallies on the calendar and the conditions and tyre selections can so often determine who succeeds. With Bryan’s knowledge, we will have another string to our bow as we look to defend our championship titles."
Bouffier added: “I honestly didn’t think I would get an opportunity to drive this car – not even on test – so I am very excited," he said. "It’s always a great pleasure to work with Malcolm and the M-Sport team, and their amazing success in 2017 makes me very proud to work with them again.
“Monte and Corsica are two very different events, but they are also two of my favourites. They’re the two ‘French’ rounds of the season and it is always a pleasure to drive on home soil – even more so with this new car!
“My plan is to be relaxed and to have fun. I would also love to score some manufacturer points for the team – that would just be the icing on the cake!”
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