World RX – Loeb: a hell of an opponent for Solberg

Petter Solberg's reconversion to the World Championship Rallycross is a real success. For two seasons, the former 2003 World Rally Champion has dominated World RX at the wheel of his DS3 Supercar. After a controlled first campaign, the Norwegian however saw competition strengthen last year, with the Peugeot 208 RXs from Team Peugeot-Hansen have become formidable rivals.

This year, it is again from the Franco-Swedish clan that the main opposition should come, with a certain Sébastien Loeb who will drive the Lioness on the world stage. A reunion long hoped for by Petter Solberg.

“This is fantastic news, Hollywood (his nickname, Editor’s note) told AUTOhebdo. The more big names there are, the better it will be in every way... I asked Sébastien several times to join us. I think he will enjoy it more than in the WTCC. Rallycross is closer to rally, from what he comes from... He will be another hell of an opponent.

Sébastien will be competitive from the start. If he takes the lead at the first corner, he will be among the best straight away. All it takes is a better start…” The first confrontation between the two former masters of the planet WRC will take place in Montalegre, Portugal, on the weekend of April 17.

Find our entire interview with Petter Solberg, in issue 2057 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version and on newsstands.