Nine-time World Rally champion Sebastien Loeb will race in this year's World Rallycross Championship, it has been announced.

Loeb has more championship wins than any other driver in WRC history, and has now opted to try his hand at World Rallycross with Peugeot.

The 42-year-old will partner Timmy Hansen, who was runner-up last year, with both men driving the Peugeot 208 WRX Supercar.

"I'm very excited by this opportunity to participate in the full FIA World Rallycross Championship for the first time," said Loeb.

"Over the years I have been fortunate to participate in some truly amazing racing, but Rallycross - with the sheer power and the competitiveness of the Peugeot 208 WRX plus the intense nature of the competition - will be something very special.

"The car and the strategy for this type of racing is completely new to me, so I have a lot to learn, but I hope I can be competitive pretty soon."