Juho Hänninen will pilot an M-Sport prepared Ford Fiesta RS WRC in the 2013 edition of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). The Finn, who had been part of the Škoda factory team for the past four years, is set to begin his transition to the WRC next year as he contests Rally Monte-Carlo and Rally Sweden alongside new co-driver, Tomi Tuominen.

With a prestigious history in the world of rallying, Hänninen has claimed victory in a number of significant championships such as the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, the Super 2000 World Rally Championship and this year’s European Rally Championship.

“I want to thank Škoda for the past four years,” said Hänninen. “Together we won all we aimed for, but unfortunately the two-year program they offered me wouldnt have taken my career forward. My life’s ambition has been to compete at the highest level of rallying, in WRC, and succeed there. Now my wish has come true with the car M-Sport will provide me.”

As Hanninen’s regular co-driver, Mikko Markkula, will co-drive for Andreas Mikkelsen next year, the Finn welcomes experienced countryman, Tomi Tuominen, on board for 2013. With 21 WRC starts to his name, Tuominen has navigated for the likes of Sebastian Lindholm and Toni Gardemeister.

“I´ve known Tomi for years,” said Hänninen. “He´s an experienced co-driver and I believe our co-operation will be great.”

Making preparations for the next phase in his career, Hänninen will test the Fiesta RS WRC for the first time later this month.