Kornel will race full-time in World RX this year as an independent entry, in the Kia Rio Supercar that Galli raced in two World RX appearances last season, in Latvia and Germany.

Galli will join Kornel for selected events in a second Rio Supercar, once the machine is completed, and is expected to make his first start of the year at Mettet in Belgium, in May.

Kornel has already tested the Rio Supercar. “In Latvia last year we started talking with Gigi, and from the first moment he was very likeable and friendly,” said the former Junior World Rally Championship driver.

“I could not find the words, because I felt incredible that someone who I admired as a kid, was now sitting in front of me as a potential partner.”

Former WRC podium finisher Galli had made his rallycross debut at his home round of World RX at Franciacorta in Italy in 2014, driving an OlsebrgsMSE Ford Fiesta and just missed out on a place in the final.

He returned a year later is his Danisi Engineering-built Kia Rio at the same event, but was thwarted by engine troubles after a rushed programme to make it to the start.

The GGRX squad returned in 2016 with a revised package and completed solid mileage in the Latvian and German rounds.

“I am proud that Lukacs will be my teammate,” said Galli. “His motivation and dedication impressed me from the first moment I met him.

"His personality will be very motivating to me and to the whole team in order to give our best," he added.

Hungarian racer Kornel, who uses the nickname ‘Csucsu’, switched to rallycross from rallying last season and raced an ex-Koen Pauwels Ford Focus Supercar run by Speedy Motorsport in the FIA European Rallycross Championship.

He finished fourth at the opening round in Belgium and finished the series 13th overall. He also tested a JRM Racing Mini RX at the end of last year.