Gigi Galli will replace Jari-Matti Latvala at the Stobart Ford team in next year's WRC, the team have announced.
The Italian made a handful of appearances in the 2007 championship, but he will complete a full season next year.
Galli will be nominated for manufacturer points at every event, while the team will decide through the year which of his two teammates - Henning Solberg and Matthew Wilson - is also nominated.
"Jari-Matti's promotion to the BP Ford team has left an opportunity for someone to join this squad and we are happy to announce that it will be Gigi," said team boss Malcolm Wilson.
"Gigi has a wealth of experience and I'm sure he will be a great asset for the team."
The team's three regular drivers will be joined by Francois Duval for the season-opening Monte Carlo rally.