James Thompson, works Vauxhall BTCC driver, had reached an agreement with Peugeot Sport UK to drive the ex. Justin Dale championship winning Peugeot 106 Super GTi in the 2002 Pirelli British Rally Championship.

27 year old Thompson intends to compete in all rounds of this years British Rally Championship other than the Jim Clark Rally, which clashes with the Croft round of the BTCC.

Thompson will be partnered by fellow Yorkshireman Craig Thorley on all events and is looking forward to a new challenge in his motorsport career.

Thompson commented: "This is something that I have wanted to do for a long time. My priority is still the BTCC programme, but the rallying really appeals to me. I hope to get a few smaller events under my belt before the first BRC round so I get used to the car. Also, Craig and I will have a chance to build up an in car rapport. With no sequential gear change, less than half the power and mud and gravel on the track, it's certainly going to be different!"

Thompson, so of well-known rally driver 'Piggy Thompson', sees rallying as a possible route for the future. But for now it's an opportunity to explore another avenue of motorsport that he feels he wants to master.

Peugeot Motorsport boss, Mick Linford commented: "It is great to have James in the BRC. I remember witnessing James drive a car when he was just 14 years old and it was obvious then that he would be driving a rally car one day. Once he finds his feet I have do doubt he will be one to watch."

Click here for 2002 Rally Calendars