Petter “Hollywood” Solberg is as much a part of rallying as a handbrake is to the rally car. This 2003 World Rally Champion has campaigned two seasons (2009 and 2010) as a privateer, going up against the likes of the factory outfits from Citroen and Ford, reports EVAN ROTHMAN.
With a number of second place overall results under his belt this past season, but still lacking that elusive rally win as a privateer, the Norwegian rally ace has arrived at a career crosspath. Citroen Racing has stated that it will only allow for two customer DS3 WRC cars for 2011, and these cars have already been purchased by Van Merksteijn Motorsport for their 2011 WRC campaign. This then leaves Solberg in a very difficult situation: Ford has not publicly offered Solberg a drive or a car for hire, and the new Prodrive MINI operation already has its complement of drivers.
He will pilot a Peugeot 207 S2000 in the Interncontinental Rally Challenge series’ Monte Carlo Rally 2011 in two weeks’ time. This is a one-off drive, handed to Solberg by Olivier Quesnel, head of Citroen Racing. It is unlikely this to be a “performance test” for a future drive, but Solberg will naturally drive that Peugeot through the asphalt stages as if he had stolen that car.
For 2011 Solberg has been offered an opportunity to participate in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). With his wealth of driving skill and sheer determination, I am sure that he will fare rather well in this formula. However, no one wants to see Petter leave the WRC fray…
Spotted on a website is Solberg’s Citroen C4 WRC for sale: http://www.rally24.com/rally-cars-for-sale/rally-car-9870.html. To aid his plight, HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS will now plug this car for Mr Solberg.
Citroen C4 WRC for sale. One owner. Driven only on weekends. Low mileage. Great fuel consumption. Serviced regularly. New engine and gearbox recently fitted. Unique paint job, mags and engine sound. For only €500,000 it is yours.
No matter the outcome, Petter Solberg will remain my World Rally Championship hero; I will continue to closely follow his motorsport activities no matter which formula he enters. Go Petter, Go!