Finland's Toni Gardemeister and Sweden's Per-Gunnar Andersson will lead Suzuki's challenge in the team's first full world rally championship season next year, the Japanese manufacturer announced.

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"It is very nice to work with a newcomer," said Gardemeister, 32, who has driven for a variety of teams including Ford, Seat and Skoda in previous years. He raced a privately-entered Mitsubishi in some rallies this season.

"I am sure that we have to work hard together but that we will have a great future."

Andersson, 27, is the junior world rally champion and has been with Suzuki for the past four years.

Suzuki competed in selected rallies this year to prepare for their full debut. The season starts in Monte Carlo on January 24.