Ott Tanak gets Mikko Hirvonen's M-Sport seat for 2015 WRC season

Tanak returns to the frontline fold to replace the retiring Mikko Hirvonen two years after his stint as a factory Ford driver with M-Sport, while Evans is kept on following a promising first full year in a World Rally Car in 2014.

Although neither has yet won a WRC rally, team boss Malcolm Wilson believes their potential is huge.

"I think it's fair to say that we will be fielding what is one of the most exciting driver pairings in the FIA World Rally Championship next year," said Wilson.

"There is no doubting the potential of Elfyn and Ott and I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do.

"Both drivers have a full season of World Rally Car experience and the whole team is motivated by the possibility of some breakthrough performances.

"I fully believe that both drivers are capable of challenging for the podium on a number of events and we are all looking forward to what looks set to be another thrilling year of rallying.

"We have some exciting developments for the Fiesta RS WRC on the horizon and we plan to implement these upgrades as the season progresses.

"The signing of Elfyn and Ott has brought a real enthusiasm to the team and we're all looking forward to fulfilling their potential next year."

Tanak was dropped by the team at the end of 2012, but returned to the WRC scene this year, focusing mainly on WRC2 alongside a handful of top-class outings.

"I'm really happy to have been given another chance," he said.

"We'll need to find our rhythm in the first few events, but I've been working with M-Sport for a long time and I have a lot of mileage with the Fiesta RS WRC so I hope it won't take too long to get up to speed.

"I've definitely grown as a driver and I want to thank Malcolm for giving me this second chance.

"We worked really hard this year and I think we proved that we have the potential; but none of that would have been possible without Malcolm and M-Sport, and for that, I am extremely grateful."

M-Sport has yet to announce if it will continue its parallel partnership with Robert Kubica, who has been fielded under the Lotos banner this year. The Pole is also on Citroen's shortlist for 2015 as he deliberates over whether to remain in rallying.

Another former M-Sport driver could also return to the fold in 2015, with current factory Citroen man Mads Ostberg linked with a programme in a satellite Fiesta.