Jari-Matti Latvala replaces Marcus Gronholm at Ford

Jari-Matti Latvala will replace retired Finnish compatriot Marcus Gronholm at world rally champions Ford next year.

Gronholm, a double world champion, retired after finishing runner-up to Citroen's champion Sebastien Loeb.

Latvala, 22, will partner Mikko Hirvonen in 2008, with Ford keeping an all-Finnish line-up.

"He has gained confidence by the day and has developed into the most promising driver," Ford team boss Malcolm Wilson said.