Duval replaces Galli for New Zealand
Francois Duval will replace the injured Gigi Galli in Stobart Ford world rally team in New Zealand, after double world champion Marcus Gronholm turned down the drive last Monday
It will be the first time Duval has competed in a gravel round of the WRC in more than a year. He will remain in the Ford Focus for October's Catalunya and Corsica rallies, as was always intended by the team.
"It's good to be back, but it will be tough," said Duval, who last competed in New Zealand in 2005, where he finished fourth. "I haven't driven on the gravel for a long time."
A gravel expert, ironically Duval's only win came on gravel for Citroen on the Rally Australia in '05.
Team boss Malcolm Wilson commented on the deal: "Francois did a great job in Germany last week and this will be a good opportunity for him to gain more valuable experience and time in the car for when he is back in Spain and Corsica.
Galli will be out for the rest of the season after breaking his left femur in a crash in Germany.
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