Guy Wilks is delighted to announce he has signed a five-rally deal with Italy's JAS Motorsport.

Wilks and co-driver Phil Pugh will showcase the new Honda Civic Type R R3 rally car on two rounds of the Australian Rally Championship, Rally Finland (WRC), Rally Russia (IRC) and a fifth international rally yet to be confirmed.

"JAS has a superb motorsport pedigree and it is a privilege to be joining them for 2008," The 2007 British champion indicated on his website.

"I am sure we can deliver some very strong results together with the R3 rally car on some very challenging rallies, starting with Rally of Canberra in May," Wilks added.

JAS Motorsport has been the official partner of Honda in Touring Cars since 1998. The front-wheel drive Civic, built to the new R class regulations, is powered by a 260hp engine built by Mugen, Honda's renowned tuning partner, and will run on Pirelli tyres.

The car was exhibited at the world-famous Geneva Motor Show last month next to Honda's Formula 1 'Earth car.'

Guy Wilks and Phil Pugh will contest Rally of Canberra (10/11 May) and NGK Rally of Melbourne (18/19 October) in collaboration with Honda Australia. Rally Russia takes place on 11/12 July and Rally Finland on 31 July/3 August.

None of the rallies clash with Wilks' British title defence with Mitsubishi Motors UK.