Guy Wilks secures JRM Mini seat for French World Rallycross round

Wilks will partner Frenchman Guerlain Chicherit at the Loheac round of the championship on September 4-6.

In his rallycross debut at the Motorsport News World RX of Great Britain in May, Wilks surprised regulars by making it into the Lydden Hill final.

He was eventually classified sixth after picking up a puncture on the opening lap.

"I'm hugely excited to be back on the World RX grid at Loheac," Wilks said.

"Lydden was a bit of a trip into the unknown but reaching the final was fantastic and that's given me confidence heading to France.

"I'm a lot more comfortable in my own ability when it comes to driving in rallycross and understanding the racecraft that's required to be successful.

"I'm a lot less apprehensive this time around and that feels good."

Wilks has been without a regular drive since the end of 2011, after a largely unsuccessful Intercontinental Rally Challenge campaign with Peugeot.

He is enjoying his rallycross outings, but knows competition will be fierce at the French event, which historically attracts a host of local drivers who are familiar with the circuit.

"Lydden showed me what the car's capable of and with JRM having continued its learning at the recent World RX event in Canada, I'm hoping there will be another performance step that we can take advantage of in France," he said.

"Loheac is a unique event that brings a particularly strong field of cars. If I can qualify for the final again I'll be over the moon."

Former WRC Rally Australia winner Francois Duval will also race at Loheac, in a Pailler Competition Peugeot 208, having made sporadic rallycross starts in recent years.