Wilks thrilled to make Peugeot switch

Wilks' first outing in the 207 S2000 recently vacated by 2009 champion Kris Meeke will be on the opening IRC round of 2011, the Monte Carlo Rally in January. Wilks' co-driver Phil Pugh will join him in making the switch from Skoda UK to the Kronos Racing-run Peugeot next season.

Wilks said: "We are very excited to be joining Peugeot UK for the 2011 IRC. It was a difficult decision to leave Skoda UK and I am indebted to them for their support in 2010.

"But the opportunity to drive the Peugeot 207 S2000 for Peugeot UK, with the support of a team like Kronos was too hard to resist. We're highly motivated for 2011 and can't wait for the Monte."

Peugeot UK managing director Jon Goodman added: "I am delighted to have both Guy and Phil join the Peugeot UK team. We had a difficult year this year but I am sure that together with Kronos we can get back to our winning ways in 2011.

"We know we have a winning car, and in Guy and Phil we can also have a winning team."

After winning the 2009 title with Meeke, Peugeot UK had a difficult and luckless season this year, with Meeke's triumph in Brazil its only win.

Wilks has one IRC win to his name from his time with Skoda UK, having picked up the 2009 Scotland victory following Meeke's disqualification. His 2010 campaign was disrupted by back injuries from a Sardinia crash, and he is currently sixth in the championship.