McRae has a good record in the British leg of the WRC

The 37-year-old Scot will partner Welsh co-driver Nicky Grist, reuniting the pair for the first time since 2003 when they drove together in New Zealand.

Citroen dropped McRae in 2003. He has driven four times since in endurance races including the Dakar Rally.

He said: "Rally GB is obviously very special to me, and I am looking forward to giving the fans something to cheer."

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McRae added: "Although I haven't competed in a world rally car since 2003, the team have put together an extensive testing programme which will give me the opportunity to evaluate the Fabia and have it set up to my liking.

"It will also allow myself and Nicky to get ourselves up to speed before the event itself."

Skoda team boss Joan Sureda said: "I'm very happy that we have the chance to bring Colin back to the WRC on this event because we know he was keen to return to the championship.

"He has a lot of experience on this rally which we will find very useful for our future development.

"I'm sure the fans will be as excited about Colin's appearance as we are."

McRae, who has won the British rally three times, will race in Wales as team-mate to Skoda's Armin Schwarz.

He has 25 World Rally Championship victories to his name, a total eclipsed only by Spain's Carlos Sainz.