Paris - French rally legend Sebastien Loeb will tackle the 2019 Dakar Rally in a Peugeot 3008 buggy, his sponsor Red Bull announced on Wednesday.
Loeb, a nine-time world rally champion, has participated three times previously in the annual event, the 2019 edition of which is held in Peru from January 6-17.
Although the 44-year-old is hoping to improve on past results - ninth on his debut in 2016, second in 2017 and a retirement earlier this year when co-pilot Daniel Elena got injured - he says "enjoyment" will be just as important as the sporting result.
"All through my career I've always been considered the favourite," said Loeb.
"Although I'm obviously motivated by victory, enjoyment is just as important. Participating in the 2019 Dakar will be a great challenge.
"I'm ready to give it a shot."
Loeb, who has been competing sporadically in the world rally championship, stunned the field to win the Rally of Catalunya last weekend for his first WRC victory since 2013.
He was racing in only his fourth rally in the last five seasons after partly retiring to focus on other motorsports, following a glittering career which saw him win nine straight titles from 2004.