M-Sport team principal Malcolm Wilson is still trying to finalise a deal to keep the current world champion Sebastien Ogier in a Ford Fiesta WRC next season – and is understood to be closing on an agreement.

Once the Frenchman has decided on his future, Evans will be announced quickly afterwards.

Wilson told Motorsport.com no deal was done with any drivers for 2018, but sources have confirmed Evans will remain with the Cumbrian team.

Evans will return to Michelin tyres after two years driving on DMACKs, winning the British Rally Championship last season and contesting the whole WRC this year.

The future of the DMACK WRC team is currently uncertain.

Keen to remain with M-Sport, Evans told Motorsport.com: “Nothing is confirmed for next year yet, let’s wait and see what the next few weeks brings.”

Ogier was giving nothing away about his plans for next year earlier this week, saying only that his mind was still not “100 per cent made up.”

Wilson added: “We’re doing everything we can to keep him, I’ve told you that lots of times before, but it’s absolutely true. We’re looking at every option.

"He knows the ambition and the ability this team has and what we have planned moving forward. We’ve had an incredible year this year and we would very much like to build on that in 2018.”

Should Ogier retire or go to Citroen, an option which is seen as increasingly unlikely, Motorsport.com's understanding is that Teemu Suninen could have more of an involvement with M-Sport.

The Finn is already penciled in for six rounds of the championship in a Fiesta WRC next season.