Francois Duval will return to the FIA World Rallycross Championship for his third consecutive appearance after confirming that he will compete in the 2016 World RX Of Belgium at his home circuit of Mettet.

The former WRC ace and former team-mate of Sébastien Loeb, will drive an Olsbergs MSE run Ford Fiesta at what is his home event. Duval contested the 2014 World RX of Belgium in a Marklund Motorsport prepared Volkswagen Polo alongside then team-mates Anton Marklund and Topi Heikkinen, whilst in 2015 he contested the FIA European Rallycross Championship round in a Mk2 Ford Focus. He went to qualify for the Supercar Final last year, however his race came to a spectacular end when he made contact with a stack of tyres.

Duval is looking to challenge for a Semi-Final place at least, as he laid out his plans for this years World RX event, “I hope I can make it to the semi-final or maybe even the final this time round,” said Duval.

“It is a very good car and I’m feeling confident, I think I have a very great opportunity here. I watched round one from Portugal on RTBF in Belgium and for sure, there is a lot of competition. It will be good to meet some drivers from my WRC days such as Petter [Solberg] and Sebastien [Loeb], I hope I will be able to compete with them. Thanks to Olsbergs MSE, Gordon Finest Beer, Ramaekers, Colson and Valvoline for making this happen.”

The FIA World Rallycross Championship website has confirmed that the 2016 entry list for the event will be released on Thursday. The entry list for the first round of the 2016 FIA European Rallycross Championship for Supercars will also be released, where a maximum entry is expected.