Bertelli spent the last two years in a Ford Fiesta RS WRC as a privateer with the best result of eighth in Mexico in 2016.

Since all 2017 cars have to be entered by a manufacturer, Bertelli missed the season opener in Monte Carlo and only entered Sweden with last year's Ford in the WRC Trophy class.

His start to the season was troublesome as he was suffering with engine problems throughout the first two days before he had to retire.

The Italian announced that he will switch to a 2017-spec car on twitter following Rally Sweden.

Bertelli joins a big group of M-Sport Ford drivers as, alongside Sebastien Ogier and Ott Tanak, DMACK also runs a car for Elfyn Evans.

In addition, a privateer team formed by Mads Ostberg and Martin Prokop will also contest the season with the former having already made his debut in Rally Sweden.