Sebastien Loeb Racing has signed young French driver Terry Folb to spearhead its foray into rallying next season.

The French squad, owned by nine-tme WRC champion Loeb, will contest the JWRC with Folb and co-driver Frank Le Floch piloting an R3 Citroen DS3.

Folb burst onto the international scene this year scoring three podium finishes on his way to third in the JWRC standings.

“In 2015, the aim was to improve and to move up a notch by entering in the JWRC, and I think I did a good job,” said Folb.

“I didn’t necessarily expect to join a team like that of Sebastien Loeb and (co-owner) Dominique Heintz, but I’m very happy!”

“Usually, there is supposed to be one year to learn and then one year to win. We’re sharing the same ambition.”

Loeb believes Folb is the prefect candidate for the squad’s maiden rallying campaign having been impressed by the 25-year-old’s results this season.

“He’s young, he’s experienced with both the DS3 R3 Max and the JWRC and, on top of that, he’s from Alsace, too. So he’s got the perfect profile,” said Loeb.

“He’s consistently improved since his debut in rallying and the season he completed in 2015 speaks for itself: great results and a very convincing second part of the championship.”