Petter Solberg does not despair

Petter Solberg has not given up on conquering a second world crown. The Norwegian is perpetually in the rhythm of the best before being caught up in trouble. Despite everything, he managed to score valuable points, which placed him in 5th position in the world championship, 27 points behind the two leaders: Sébastien Loeb and Mikko Hirvonen.

A situation far from desperate for the 2003 world champion. “I calculated and in principle, I can make up the 27 points in just one rally, He explains. If I win and one of the leaders drops out, anything is possible. But someone has to give up. Sébastien and Mikko are lucky you know. Despite their problems, they were able to stay in the fight. I had these punctures. I know I'm fast, the problem is that my speed over the last three rallies doesn't match my results. »

The Norwegian drives a Citroën DS3, entered by his own structure. It therefore has a certain obligation of results towards the sponsors who support its complete program in WRC this season. Petter Solberg fears that his recent poor performances will not give them the necessary visibility. “ I'm a little afraid of my sponsors. When you're too far from the podium, you don't get the promotion you need. I have no worries at the moment, but in the future I don't know. I have to get closer and it would be good if one of the leaders gives up soon, he quips. »

Find the full report of the Portugal rally in AUTOhebdo, on sale from Wednesday on all newsstands.