Waldegaard enters Rallye du Maroc

The 66-year-old agreed to drive the Peugeot, which belongs to French rally star Jean-Pierre Nicolas, after Bruno Saby was forced to withdraw from the event for personal reasons.

Despite no opportunity to test the car prior to the October 9-16 event, the Swede said he was happy to take up the challenge of the marathon event, which encompasses 900 competitive miles.

Having won the Safari Rally four times in his career, Waldegaard is well used to the rigors of competing in Africa. He has also driven in Morocco before, contesting the country's world championship qualifier each year between 1973 and 1976.

"It was a last-minute call but I was very quick to accept the invitation because I know it will be a very good rally based on the experience I have from competing in Morocco, and from knowing the good job the guys responsible for organising the event do," Waldegaard said.

"My experience of competing in Morocco was in a Citroen and a Fiat Spider so I know how extremely tough the roads can be, especially in the areas by the dried-out rivers. For this reason you have to be very alert.

"I have never driven the Peugeot before, but I am told it's a very powerful car so I hope I can drive it at least on the day before the rally starts. It's not ideal but I have to accept the situation. The rally lasts for nine days so I have time to adapt to the car. It won't be a problem and you have to remember the Peugeot has a good record on events in Africa, so it's a car that can be competitive but also reliable."

Waldehaard, who will be co-driven by Denis Giraudet, will face a strong entry, including Michele Mouton, who drives a Porsche 911 on the inaugural event.