Homecoming
for ace
Neuville

Neuville began his career in a Ford Fiesta back in 2008 and will pilot a Fiesta RS WRC in next year’s FIA World Rally Championship.

The Belgian will also renew his acquaintance with Qatari driver Nasser Al-Attiyah, who signed for M-Sport last month. They competed in semi-works Citroens in 2012 and twice Neuville was handed the keys to Al-Attiyah’s Qatar World Rally Team entry when Al-Attiyah had clashing commitments.

“It is a great honour for me to represent Qatar and M-Sport on all 13 rounds of next season’s championship,” said Neuville. “Thanks to a great ‘learning’ year in the WRC, I am confident that I will be able to achieve some great results alongside M-Sport and my new team mates.

“I would especially like to thank Malcolm [Wilson, the M-Sport boss] for his confidence in me, and also my friend Nasser for his fantastic support. I am now focused on preparing for Rallye Monte-Carlo and really looking forward to the start of this new adventure.”

Neuville impressed during his rookie season in the WRC’s big league in 2012, tackling all 13 rounds in a Citroen DS3 World Rally Car and setting 11 fastest stage times. Citroen team boss Yves Matton had revealed hopes of offering him a nine-event deal in 2013 as part of a long-term agreement.