Suzuki appoints Nandan as technical director.

The Suzuki World Rally team has confirmed that Michel Nandan has joined the outfit, as they continue their preparations to step up from the FIA Junior World Rally Championship to the 'senior' level with the new SX4 World Rally Car.

Nandan will become the team's technical director, as they look to challenge the likes BP Ford, Citroen Sport and the Subaru WRT at the pinnacle of the sport.

Nandan, it is hoped will bring vital experience - and he was most recently involved in the FIA World Rally Championship with Peugeot working on the 206 WRC car and its less successful successor, the 307 WRC. The French marquee took over 20 victories during Nandan's time with the outfit and three manufacturers' championships in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Marcus Gronholm also took two WRC drivers' titles with Peugeot during that time, in 2000 and 2002.

Suzuki meanwhile also confirmed the appointment of Nino Frison, as their chief designer and while they won't make the step-up with the SX4 full-time until 2008, they currently hope to take in a number of events towards the end of next year subject to FIA approval.

"The Suzuki World Rally Team is proud to announce two new members," confirmed a statement from the squad. "Their past experience and knowledge will surely add new power to the team. The Suzuki World Rally Team has again made a big step towards the podium in the championship."

Suzuki, who are trying to recruit new staff at the moment, will run the team from France, with their HQ based near Paris.

Suzuki have been testing with the SX4 WRC in Japan for the last six months: "We been doing basic function tests and will be finishing off these by the end of January," added the team. "All the tests are proceeding successfully and the development is being done step by step."