Four-time world champion Tommi Makinen will take on the role of team principal for Toyota when the manufacturer return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2017.

Toyota confirmed their intention to compete in WRC once more back in January, having won four drivers' and three manufacturers' titles in the 1990s.

And Makinen, WRC champion between 1996 and 1999, will be tasked with putting his expertise to good effect.

In a statement on Tuesday, Toyota also confirmed that their president, Akio Toyoda, will serve as chairman of the new team, which will race under the name Toyota GAZOO Racing.

Toyoda said: "As the pinnacle of rallying, WRC is the best way to experience roads all over the world - that's why Toyota is returning to the championship. And I am very happy and excited to have Tommi Makinen heading up our WRC team.

"I first met Tommi in 2013. At that time he was my instructor, helping me improve my driving technique. In the end, he taught me a lot more; he showed me the appeal of rallying and the relationship between vehicle development and rallying.

"Tommi has abundant experience and fresh ideas for vehicle development, both of which will be valuable assets to us.

"After talking to Tommi, I felt: 'I want to work with him; I want him to help us make better cars,' and that's how I came to ask for his support with this project.

"With Tommi behind us, Toyota will forge ahead with our return to WRC and also our efforts to make ever-better cars."