French younღgster Sebastien Chardonnet is to make his debut in a full-blown World Rally Car on his home round of the WRC next month.

The 23-year-old, who is mentored by Sebastien Loeb's co-driver Daniel Elena, has been taking part in a number of WRC events this season at the wheel of a Citroen DS3 R3 but will now step up to🅘 a DS3 WRC for Rallye deꦅ France-Alsace.

Chardonnet and co-driver Thibault de La Haye are the latest youngsters to be backed by theܫ French motorsport governing boꦜdy the FFSA.

"I can still hardly believe that I will have such a competitive car as the ꧑Citroen DS3 WRC for my home event," Chardonnet said. "It's like Christmas come early. "We took a careful look at the budget because the costs involved aren't🌌 at all the same as they are for a DS3 R3.

"The final decision to enter a Citroen DS3 WRC for the Rallye de France-Alsace was taken by our partners. They are fully behind the project and it will be an important event fo🍬r them in terms of visibility, notoriety and media coverage. A number of new investors are involved, too, and I would like to thank all those who have put their faith in us. I hope we will succeed in doing justice to their confidence."

Elena, winner of eight titles alongside Loeb, said it was important for the youngstౠer to keep h﷽is feet on the ground.

"It is important to take things one step at a time because there is so much a young crew has to take on board," he said. "At the same time, you can't afford to miss a chance... and this is a golden opportunity! Sebastien and Thibault just need to keep their eye on t🏅he ball, stay focused and forget the pressure despite the importance of the stakes. I would also like to extend my personal thanks to their partners who have joined forces to turn this plan into reality..."