Henning Solberg has confirmed that he will switch to an S2000 Ford for the four asphalt rounds of this year's World Rally Championship season.
The Norwegian will return to Stobart's World Rally Car lineup on his preferred gravel surface for the remaining rallies of that type, but will drive the S2000 Fiesta under the Stobart M-Sport banner in Bulgaria, Germany, Corsica and Catalunya.
"I've heard nothing but good reports about the new Ford Fiesta S2000 so far, and it will be interesting to drive it in Bulgaria and give my opinion on how I feel it runs compared to the Ford Focus RS WRC," said Solberg.
Ford team boss Malcolm Wilson hopes that Solberg can contribute to the development of the S2000 car.
"The Fiesta is the platform for the next generation of WRC cars and this gives Henning the chance to be right at the forefront of the development cycle," Wilson said. "We look forward to receiving the feedback from Henning that his experience within the WRC can provide."
Stobart had already announced that P-G Andersson would take Solberg's place for Bulgaria. It has yet to reveal its plans for the other asphalt rallies.