Duval confirms asphalt return

Duval will use the same Stobart-backed Ford Focus RS WRC07 he drove to fourth on the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally. In addition to driving the car in Germany, Spain and Corsica, Duval is also hoping to add one of his favourite rallies of the year - Rally GB - to his programme.

"It will be very nice to be back in the car," Duval told autosport.com. "I have already spent too long in my house. Germany and Spain will be good, but I think I will have the most confidence for Corsica - that's the rally I'm really looking forward to."

Despite having no time testing the Focus ahead of January's Monte Carlo Rally, the Belgian still managed to set four fastest times on his way to fourth overall. Since then, he has been busy trying to patch together more deals for this year. Next week he will tackle Rally Portugal.

Having been dropped from the WRC for this season, the Faro-based event is a qualifying round for the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. Duval starts at number one in an Abarth Grande Punto, but admits it's going to be hard work to beat drivers like former world champion Didier Auriol and WRC podium finisher Manfred Stohl.

"I don't know the car so well and I haven't driven on gravel for a very long time," said Duval. "As well as that, the roads will be very slippery for me going first. Okay, we'll see. It would be nice to finish in the top three or four - maybe that would be good enough for me to stay with the team for Ypres (Belgium's biggest rally - also an IRC qualifier)."