Petter Solberg will have tried…

The weekend had started well for Petter Solberg. At the start of the last day, the Norwegian was 53 seconds behind Sébastien Ogier (Citroën Junior Team), then leader. He then decided to seek victory by taking all possible risks. At the finish of the penultimate special, the Citroën driver's lead over the Norwegian had shrunk to less than 17 seconds?

It was then that the last special stage came. And the abandonment of Solberg, a little less than 6 kilometers from the finish. “ I was pushing really hard, fighting for victory, when it happened. Without this accident, I'm sure we could have finished in front, » confirmed the 2003 World Champion. « It's a real shame not to finish the race, » he continues, “ But we really had fun this weekend and I realize today that first place was within our reach. Maintaining our third place was not an option, he concludes.

Team principal Ken Rees is also disappointed with the outcome of this rally yet off to a good start. “ It was very disappointing to give up so close to another podium and perhaps even a victory, after all the efforts that Petter (Solberg) and Phil (Mills) did this weekend, » commented Rees. “ Petter did an exceptional job not just at the end but throughout the three days of racing to stay in touch with the front men. We will remember from this rally that we are competitive and we intend to fight for victory in Portugal. We are now 5th in the championship and this will perhaps benefit us for the next rally. »

Petter Solberg lost two places in the standings in his misadventure to the benefit of Ogier and Hirvonen (BP Ford), respectively 4th and 3rd. The Norwegian now finds himself 5th and is impatiently awaiting the next rally which will take place in Portugal from May 28.