The 28-year-old Norwegian previously competed in an M-Sport Ford Fiesta in 2011 and 2013, before embarking on a two-year stint at Citroen that yielded seven podiums, but no victories.

He placed fourth in this year's standings, ending the season as top non-Volkswagen driver and beating teammate Kris Meeke by four points.

But with Citroen taking a year out of WRC next year ahead of a planned return in 2017, Ostberg now returns to M-Sport, where he is joined by French rising star Eric Camilli.

"I am really looking forward to the season ahead and honoured to have been welcomed back into the M-Sport team," said Ostberg, whose sole WRC win so far came in Portugal in 2012.

"The Ford Fiesta RS WRC has formed a big part of my career and it's a nice feeling to be heading back to a team where I have achieved a lot of success in the past.

"Our first aim will be to get up to speed and challenge for strong results. I feel as though my driving has progressed a lot recently, and the plan is to continue that progression next year.

"I want to make another improvement in speed, challenge for more podiums and I think wins could also be a possibility. I want to get faster, and I think I can do that without sacrificing the consistency.

"Another season with a top team was our goal for next year and I would like to thank Malcolm [Wilson, M-Sport boss] and the team for their continued belief in me."

Camilli in, Evans out

Camilli, also 28, will make his World Rally car debut next year alongside new teammate Ostberg. He spent 2015 contesting the WRC 2 category, placing seventh overall with two second place finishes.

"This is an amazing opportunity for me and I am extremely proud to join the M-Sport team in 2016," said Camilli.

"I can't wait to get started. We'll have our first test this week and I'm really looking forward to getting to know the team and the car.

"I have only contested a few WRC events so I recognise that I am extremely lucky to have been given this opportunity.

"Malcolm is such a big part of the WRC so his confidence and faith in me really does mean a lot; it's very special."

The announcement leaves no room at M-Sport for Elfyn Evans, whose 2015 teammate Ott Tanak has joined the newly formed DMACK World Rally Team.