Petter Solberg takes a step back from the competition

A world title in WRC (2003 with Subaru), followed a decade later by two world crowns in World RX (2014 – 2015) (a first for a driver: winning two FIA world titles) constitute the summit of the Norwegian's record Petter Solberg.

Still competing full-time in World RX last year in PSRX VW Sweden, “Hollywood” will take a step back this year from the competition, by not committing to any full program.

Conversely, Solberg will be present at various events and meetings in 2019, including Goodwood, the Norges Råeste Bakkeløp in Norway, the Gymkhana GRiD World Finals and other “surprises” to come as the Norwegian indicates.

"I'm not hanging up, Solberg says. But I am withdrawing from the world championships. Last year the World RX Championship was the last for me.

I love flying, I still fly and I still compete, but the time has come to decide which path to take and the decision is to stop flying professionally and start a new chapter in my book.

This is the right time. I had an illness in recent years that made me think about what I really wanted to do, and I recovered a few months ago. My fitness and energy are back now and I am ready to take on a new challenge.

Volkswagen's decision to take a break from World RX was also a factor in my decision, but I have serious ambitions for the future and want to start working towards that. Oliver (his son) regularly competes at a higher level now. I want to make sure he has the support of his family. »

Solberg also explains that he wants to work around his team and young drivers (including his son) for his next challenge, obviously in motorsport.

"I want to open another door, comments the Norwegian. I would like to work with a WRC or WRX manufacturer. I led my own team in the WRC and was really proud to win a bronze medal in 2010.

Then I won two world titles in rallycross with my team before dominating everything in the last two years, when we raced with Volkswagen's Polo R Supercars.

I want to build on this experience and use it for the next generation of drivers to develop my team and take it to the next level. But I do it calmly. In RX and rally, the landscape is changing with the appearance of new technical regulations.

So we are waiting for the right opportunity. I think we have shown the world that we have the right credentials, the right experience and the right ability to win with and for manufacturers. »