Subaru confirm Sarrazin for 2006

The 30-year-old Frenchman will take part in four asphalt rallies starting with the Monte Carlo Rally in January. In addition to his competitive duties, Sarrazin will play a significant role in the team's 2006 Pirelli tyre test programme.

"I am very happy to stay with the team," he said. "It demonstrates their confidence in me. I proved that I can be as quick as the best drivers on asphalt and now I'm looking forward to converting the year's experience into strong results.

"Combining a rallying and testing programme is very good as I will be able to continue my development, however it will also be to the benefit of the team. We will work together to enhance the performance of the car and the tyres."

In his first full season in WRC, Sarrazin equalled his best-ever result of fourth overall at the Tour de Corse.

"Stephane is a very talented, professional driver and he has brought the skills he learnt in his career as a racing driver to rallying and proved he can compete amongst the very best in the field," said  the team's technical director David Lapworth.

"His abilities both in competitive and testing environments will bolster the team's resources and he will play a major role in the development of the car and Pirelli tyre package. We have three very different drivers, but their skills and characters all compliment each other extremely well and I feel our line-up is second to none.

"Everything looks very promising for the 2006 season."