M-Sport secures funding for full 2016 World Rally Championship

Team principal Malcolm Wilson had admitted last week that there was no guarantee M-Sport would be present on all 14 rounds, which would have left Volkswagen and Hyundai as the WRC's only manufacturer entries this season amid Citroen's hiatus.

Wilson has now confirmed the necessary funding is in place for the full campaign, and he thanked the FIA for its patience with the British squad while finances were put in place.

"We have paid our entry fee and we will be at every round," he told Autosport.

"It's very good news for us. M-Sport has been a constant in the World Rally Championship since round one in 1997 and I really didn't want to miss a round this time around.

"Jarmo [Mahonen, WRC manager] has been very, very good. We have worked hard with the FIA to make this happen.

"Jarmo understood our situation and did all he could to help us."

M-Sport had been concerned over the financial implications of the WRC expanding from 13 to 14 rallies for 2016 with the addition of a second long-haul event in China, while teams are also working to develop cars for the new 2017 rules.

Norwegian Mads Ostberg will tackle all rounds of the series for M-Sport, with Eric Camilli in the second Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

Elfyn Evans stands by ready to step in for selected events, and will also compete in the British Rally Championship and WRC2.

Follow the 2016 World Rally Championship-opening Monte Carlo Rally as it happens with Autosport Race Centre Live from 7pm UK time on Thursday